Rishabh Pant’s batting style is quite similar to Gilchrist: Ashish Nehra

India’s batting so far in the three Tests has not been up to the mark against England and that has led to some embarrassing batting collapses. The Leeds Test saw the visitors being bowled for just 78 in the first innings. In the second innings, the famed collapse was visible again, when India slumped from 215 for two to 278 on the fourth day. Naturally, the batters have copped a fair bit of criticism and the spotlight this time has fallen on wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.

The southpaw has so far scored just 87 runs in five innings and, the majority of his dismissals have been soft. He has either gone chasing wide balls or fallen to the trap set by Ollie Robinson, who has taken Pant’s wicket four times.

India skipper Virat Kohli has time and again spoken about how the management wants Pant to play aggressively, but also be aware of the match situation. With the series delicately poised 1-1 cricketer-turned-expert, Ashish Nehra has opened about whether the dashing wicketkeeper-batter should change his approach to get some runs.

Rishabh Pant has already achieved great things: Ashish Nehra

“Somebody like Pant or any international cricketer needs to change their game from time to time but, they should not forget their strengths also. If he gets out while defending or hitting a shot, he is the same Rishabh Pant who won the Test match at the Gabba.”

“His way of batting and his style will always be a discussion point in Test cricket. Adam Gilchrist was also quite similar. He knew what his style was and backed that.” Ashish Nehra said during an online media interaction organized by Sony.

Nehra further opined that Pant has already played quite a few game-changing innings and, the management trusts his fearless style of play. “Have to give him time. You’re talking about a guy who’s scored a hundred in Australia and England in tough conditions. When you talk about a wicketkeeper batsman he has already done wonders.” said Ashish Nehra.

Pant has a chance to make amends in the fourth Test, which will begin from September 2 at The Oval.