Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes Rishabh Pant should resist the temptation to become overly defensive and instead return to the fearless approach that has made him one of India’s most dangerous Test batters. Dasgupta feels the Indian team management must give Pant the freedom to attack and back his natural game.

Pant has endured a challenging period in recent months, including losing the Test vice-captaincy to KL Rahul, who now serves as Shubman Gill’s deputy. The pressure on the left-hander was also evident during IPL 2026, when he lost his composure and used an expletive during a live interaction with the broadcaster.

His uncertainty over his batting approach was again visible during India’s recent warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI ahead of the two-Test series. Pant was dismissed after attempting an aggressive shot early in his first innings. In the second innings, he initially appeared more cautious before once again going for an aerial stroke and returning to the pavilion. However, Dasgupta believes Pant should not allow such dismissals to change his natural style.

WATCH – Rishabh Pant Shares Hilarious Banter With Support Staff During Gym Session

“He should bat exactly the way he usually does. I remember a few matches back where he was overtly defensive. I would rather have him get out going for a six than getting out playing a forceful defence,” Deep Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.

The former India cricketer believes Pant’s attacking ability could be particularly valuable against Sri Lanka, whose bowling attack is expected to rely heavily on spin.

“Rishabh should get the freedom to attack and that is also his strength. Also, Sri Lanka’s spinners are predominantly left-arm spinners. So Rishabh being in form and having the right mindset is crucial for India in this series,” he added.

Dasgupta also questioned the tendency to label aggressive dismissals as irresponsible. He argued that batters should not be judged differently simply because they choose to attack rather than defend.

ALSO READ: Shubman Gill’s Reverse Swing Plan Ahead of India’s Sri Lanka Test Series

“This word responsibility is a complicated word. The viewers’ mindset is also strange: if a batter defends and gets out, that isn’t irresponsible. But if someone plays a shot and gets out, it becomes irresponsible,” Deep Dasgupta explained.

For India, getting the best out of Pant could be crucial in Sri Lanka. If the wicketkeeper-batter can regain confidence and play with his trademark freedom, he could become a major match-winner during the upcoming Test series.