Rishabh Pant breaks his silence on playing ‘defensive cricket’ after Gautam Gambhir’s attack

Team India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant said he adopted a more restrained approach during the first innings of the fifth and final Test match against Australia. Rishabh Pant said the pitch conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) did not allow him to play in his usual aggressive style.

Jasprit Bumrah decided to bat first after winning the toss in Sydney on Friday, January 3. Pant came to the crease as the team slumped to 57/3. The left-handed batsman adjusted his approach according to the conditions. He also took a couple of blows to the body from the pacer before being dismissed on 40.

I could have taken a 50-50 chance, but I didn’t – Rishabh Pant

Speaking at the press conference after the match on Day 1, Rishabh Pant, who faced criticism for his performance in Melbourne, said that the pitch conditions at the SCG did not allow him to play aggressively. He added that there were times when he could have taken a risk, but instead chose to play it safe.

“I don’t think in this innings I was in a state of mind where I wanted to take control of the game because the wicket was overworking and the situation we were in. When I was playing, I felt I could play a bit of defensive cricket,” Pant said.

“Yes, there is a time to attack, but you have to feel it inside. I can’t just pre-think how I’m going to play. Whatever the game calls for that day, that’s what I try to do.”

“That was my way of thinking. I don’t think it’s very difficult, although the opening part can be challenging when you see the ball you can hit. But sometimes you have to play more sensible cricket. Maybe it was a 50-50 chance that I could have taken it early in this innings.”

Trying to maintain a balance between attack and defense – Rishabh Pant

The 27-year-old admitted that he is working on finding the right balance between attack and defence. Pant also admitted that batsmen often think too much when things aren’t going well.

“I think mostly you want to carry on with the way you’ve been playing the game, but eventually you have to keep evolving. I feel there’s not just one way to play cricket. Whatever comes naturally is always better, but you’ve got to find a balance between playing cricket aggressively and selectivity in shots.

That’s what I try to do – maximize my style while keeping it simple. Not overthinking is key because when you don’t have the best tours, overthinking can take over. I just try to keep things clear and give my 200% on the pitch.”

Not sure what a good score is on this track – Beau Webster

Australian debutant all-rounder Beau Webster agreed with Rishabh Pant’s assessment of the pitch. Webster pointed out that the Indian batsmen focused on making the Australian bowlers work hard by bowling extended spells.

“They (Indian batsmen) decided to buckle down and made us bowl a lot of overs. I’m not sure what a good score is on this track, but we would have batted first if he had won the toss,” Webster said.

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