Irfan Pathan has applauded Rishabh Pant for playing a gritty knock in Team India’s first innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 fifth Test as well. He added that Pant virtually put his life and took blows all over his body during his innings as well. However, Pant scored 40 runs off 98 deliveries as India were bowled out for 185 on Day 1 (Friday, January 3) of the final Test against Australia in Sydney as well.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan praised Pant, saying, “We talk a lot about Rishabh Pant but we need to agree that the knock he played today was extremely crucial. It wasn’t easy. No one crossed the 30-run mark but Rishabh Pant reached 40. He was getting hit repeatedly. He was taking balls on his body. He put his body on the line. He tried to put his life. He was under slight pressure. There is external pressure as well. He was getting hit on the body but he fought despite that. I feel it was an excellent innings.”

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In the same discussion, Sanjay Bangar also urged Rishabh Pant to always play with the discipline he showed in Friday’s game.

“He has the grit and resolve. He plays cricketing shots, which are exceptional. When he got out, I felt it was a slight loss of concentration because the ball hit the bottom part of his bat. I definitely want to see Rishabh Pant play with the discipline he showed. He tried to score runs in front of the wickets. He didn’t try to play any ramp shot and gave himself the full opportunity to score runs. This player already has such an approach. He has consistently played like this. I feel his approach in today’s innings was terrific,” Bangar added.