India’s star wicketkeeper-batter opens up on his game approach and the curious case of his slipping bat during the high-voltage Test series against England.
Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has firmly re-established himself as India’s go-to wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket and in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, he has made a strong impact with the bat. The 27 years old cricketer started the series in spectacular fashion, scoring twin centuries, 134 in the first innings and 118 in the second, during the series opener held at Headingley in Leeds from June 20 to 24. He followed that up with more vital contributions in the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, where he added scores of 25 and 65 to his name between July 2 and 6.
However, something unusual caught the eye during the second innings of the Edgbaston Test. Rishabh Pant’s bat slipped out of his hands more than once while he was at the crease, prompting curiosity among fans and commentators alike. Ahead of the third Test at Lord’s, this peculiar occurrence became a talking point and former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik took the opportunity to ask Rishabh Pant about it during an interaction on a sports portal.
Rishabh Pant, known for his candid nature, did not offer a technical explanation for the bat slipping but responded with his characteristic honesty and spontaneity. “See, for me personally, I don’t think about that, not to throw away my bat. But at the same time, you know, when I’m in the moment, it just happens with me, man. Moment happens, everything happens. I’m not too focused in making how it’s happening, rather than just letting it flow,” he said, brushing off the incident as something that naturally occurred in the heat of play.
Dinesh Karthik then shifted the focus to Rishabh Pant’s broader batting mindset, asking him how he prepares for his innings and what goes into his strategic planning. In response, the vice-captain of India’s Test side shared insights into his thought process. “See, generalised, when I’m sitting out, I watch a few balls, make a generalised plan, and then see how the wicket is playing and all. You know, while sitting outside, you know how the bowlers are bowling, how they are planning, and how the wicket is playing. Once you get hold of that, sitting outside, then obviously playing a few balls, get the feel of the wicket, and make a basic plan to work it around,” Pant explained.
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As the series progresses, Rishabh Pant continues to be a key figure for India, not just with the gloves behind the stumps but with the bat in hand. His natural flair, fearless approach and ability to adapt to different conditions make him one of the most exciting players in world cricket today, even if his bat occasionally has a mind of its own.
