“Stupid, stupid, stupid,” screamed Sunil Gavaskar on air when Rishabh Pant’s ill-advised scoop attempt against Scott Boland led to his dismissal in the first innings of the Melbourne Test.
Thankfully, Gavaskar wasn’t on the air when Pant threw his wicket away in the second innings—a moment that triggered a collapse and dashed India’s hopes of salvaging a draw.
Pant has always been a player who dances to his own tune. Known for his flamboyance and counter-attacking prowess, the 26-year-old has earned a reputation as India’s X-factor in Test cricket. Who could forget his Gabba masterclass in 2021? While the veterans in the dressing room were contemplating a draw on the final day, it was Pant’s conviction and fearless strokeplay that helped India chase down 328 and script history.
Much like the Virender Sehwags and Adam Gilchrists of the game, Pant’s attacking style is underpinned by a solid defensive technique. When he gets behind the line of the ball with a dead bat, he can appear untouchable.
However, the charismatic boldness that makes him a game-changer has also been his Achilles’ heel, with his shot selection and situational awareness frequently coming under scrutiny.
Reports of head coach Gautam Gambhir delivering a stern dressing-down after the Melbourne defeat highlighted the need for players to adhere to team plans and strike the right balance between natural flair and game awareness.
On Day 1 of the Sydney Test, Pant offered a contrast to his usual self—a subdued, patient innings that reflected a battle not just against the Australian bowlers but also against his own urge to attack.
On an uncharacteristically green Sydney pitch offering prodigious seam movement, Pant took blows to the body but resisted the temptation to attempt anything reckless.
He faced 98 deliveries—the most by any Indian batter in the first innings, which lasted just 72.2 overs—and scored a gritty 40 before a mistimed pull shot ended his resistance.
Speaking to the press after his innings, Pant shed light on his evolving approach to batting and the adjustments he’s trying to make.
AWARENESS TO CONDITIONS
“I am just thinking about playing to the best of my abilities. That’s the only thing I can do and that’s what I did because the wicket was doing too much and the kind of situation we were in. While playing in the middle, I felt like I could play a little bit of defensive cricket,” he said.
This measured approach was a marked departure from the rash shots he played in Melbourne, which drew sharp criticism and reportedly the ire of Gambhir. Chasing a stiff fourth-innings target, India lost seven wickets in the final session, with Pant’s dismissal widely regarded as the turning point.
Acknowledging the fine balance between instinct and game awareness, Pant said, “Yes, there is a time to attack, but you have to feel that from inside. You can’t premeditate that. Whatever the game asks me to do on that given day, I have to do that. That’s the mindset.”
THE MIND BEHIND THE GRITTY SYDNEY KNOCK
Controlling his instincts, however, remains a challenge for Pant. “No, it is very difficult (to control the urge). When you see a ball that’s there to be hit, sometimes you have to play more sensible cricket,” he admitted.
The Sydney conditions demanded caution, and Pant responded with maturity. “There might be a 50-50 chance which I could have taken early on in this innings. But, sometimes, you have to play more secure cricket, especially with the way the wicket was behaving. We knew that if we get one more wicket there, we could lose two or three,” he said.
Pant’s natural flair has always been his biggest asset, but he understands the need to evolve without losing what makes him special. “Mostly, you have to back the way you play. But, eventually, you have to keep evolving. I feel there is no way to play cricket. But, whatever comes more naturally is always better. But, you’ve got to find that balance between playing aggressive cricket and playing all those shots,” he explained.
That balance, however, is easier said than done. Pant spoke candidly about dealing with self-doubt, especially on tours where runs have been hard to come by. “I am trying not to overthink, trying to keep it simple. Because, when you are not having the best of the tours, you tend to overthink. But, I am trying to keep it simple, and give my 200 percent.”
Pant, alongside Ravindra Jadeja, helped steer India out of trouble after they were reduced to 72 for 4 in the second session. The pair batted together for 25.1 overs, ensuring India avoided a complete collapse on Day 1.
Eventually, India were bowled out for 185. Whether that total will be enough to put pressure on Australia remains to be seen, as tricky batting conditions are expected to persist on Day 2. After all, 150 proved enough for Jasprit Bumrah to exert pressure on Australia on a similarly spicy pitch in Perth last month.