Indian skipper Virat Kohli came in support of wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant for his flamboyant batting approach. Kohli says Pant has the ability to change the game and momentum in any direction. Pant has often been criticized for his swashbuckling batting style. But he has turned into a match-winner since the Australia tour earlier this year when he played two sensational knocks.
He scored 97 runs in the fourth innings of the Sydney Test and almost took India to an unlikely win before both teams settled for a draw. The second instance came in the Gabba Test, where he remained calm and composed to see off the Aussie challenge on the fifth day to win the Test and the series for India with his unbeaten 89-run knock.
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Putting his back behind Pant, Kohli admits that has been the style of Pant’s game while he also considers the match situation before going for his shots.
“That is basically how he plays. He has the capability to carry on and play a long innings in that manner. It necessarily does not have to be a very defensive role, when there is a demand of the situation, he is intelligent enough to understand. If we are looking to save a game, you would not see him play those kinds of shots. Wherever there is a 50-50 situation and he can change the game, he will take the chance,” said Kohli during a virtual press conference.
“That’s how he plays and that is who he is. We want him to be that way. From Rishabh, we expect that he plays the innings that changes the momentum of the game and take that balance towards us. He is going to play this way.”
India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has been on and off with his form in the Test cricket but Kohli sees no concern in this regard.
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“I do not think that is an area of concern. Our basic focus is not to think about where are people individually at the moment, collectively how much strength they bring into the team is our focus. As a batting unit, we are looking to perform in difficult conditions so that we are in winning positions and someone is going to put their hand up every game,” he added.
The 32-year-old also praised the effort of the batting department, where the opening duo of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma gave a solid start before Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah chipped in to hand India a considerable lead.
“Last match, KL Rahul, Jadeja, Bumrah, Rishabh with the cameo, they were outstanding. Rohit gave us a solid start as well so look people are going to contribute every now and then. You need to understand as a side, what is the best batting outfit you can present on the park,” he further added.
The second Test will be played at Lord’s from Thursday, August 12. The series stands 0-0 after the rain washed out the fifth day’s play of the Nottingham Test.
(With Inputs from ANI)
