Rishabh Pant has stepped up his preparations ahead of India’s opening Test against Sri Lanka, with the wicketkeeper-batter recently spotted putting in an intense workout at the gym. Pant was accompanied by a member of the Indian support staff during the session and also managed to add his trademark humour to the training routine.
In a video shared on his Instagram Story, Pant was seen watching a support staff member perform a one-arm preacher curl. The 28-year-old jokingly reacted to the exercise, saying, “What are you doing? Dole shole!” His light-hearted exchange offered a glimpse of the relaxed atmosphere around the Indian camp despite the importance of the upcoming Test series.
India recently completed a three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo from August 7 to 9. The visitors secured a six-wicket victory before travelling to Galle on Tuesday, August 11, for the first Test, which begins on August 15.
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Pant had a mixed outing in the practice match, scoring 2 and 28 in India’s two innings. However, his experience and ability to change the course of a Test match make him a key player for the Shubman Gill-led side.
Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta has also backed Pant to return to his aggressive batting style during the Sri Lanka series. The former wicketkeeper believes Pant has become overly defensive at times and should be given the freedom to play according to his natural instincts.
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“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 defense,” Deep Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.
Dasgupta also believes Pant could be particularly effective against Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinners. According to him, an attacking approach could allow the Indian batter to put pressure on the opposition and make full use of his natural stroke-making ability.
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Pant enters the Sri Lanka Tests after producing an important performance in India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in June. He scored 81 from 121 deliveries as India secured a massive innings-and-300-run victory.
With his fitness preparations underway, Pant will be expected to play an important role in India’s batting and wicketkeeping departments. His ability to combine aggression with responsibility could prove crucial as India begin their latest World Test Championship assignment in Sri Lanka.
