Rishabh Pant breaks silence on playing ‘defensive cricket’ after Gautam Gambhir’s strike

team India wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh pants said he took a more moderate approach during the first innings of the fifth and final Test match against Australia. Rishabh Pant said the pitch conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) did not allow him to play in his usual aggressive style.

jasprit bumrah elected to bat first after winning the toss in Sydney on Friday, January 3. Pant came to the crease as the team collapsed to 57/3. The left-handed batsman adjusted his approach according to the conditions. He also took several body blows from the pacers before being dismissed for 40.

I could have taken 50-50 chances but I didn’t – Rishabh Pant

Speaking at the press conference after Day 1’s play, Rishabh Pant, who drew criticism for his performance in Melbourne, said the pitch conditions at the SCG did not allow him to play aggressively. He added that there were times when he could have taken a risk but chose to play it safe.

“I think in that innings, I wasn’t in a frame of mind where I wanted to take over the game because the wicket was doing too much and the situation we were in. As I was playing, I felt I could play a bit of defensive cricket. Pant said.

“Yeah, there’s a time to attack, but you have to feel it from within. I can’t just premeditate how I’m going to play. Whatever the game calls for that day, that’s what I try to do.”

“That was my mindset. I think it’s not very difficult, although the initial part can be challenging when you see a ball you can hit. But sometimes, you have to play more sensible cricket. It could be between 50 and 50 chances have taken at the beginning of this entry.”

Trying to maintain a balance between offense and defense – Rishabh Pant

The 27-year-old admitted he is working to find the right balance between attack and defence. Pant also admitted that batsmen often overthink themselves when they don’t perform well.

“I think you mostly want to support the way you play, but at the end of the day you have to keep evolving. I think there’s not just one way to play cricket. Whatever comes naturally is always better, but you have to find that balance between playing aggressive cricket and being selective with your shots.

That’s what I’m trying to do: make the most of my style while keeping it simple. Not overthinking is key because when you don’t have the best of tours, overthinking can take over. I just try to keep things simple and give my 200% on the field.”

Not sure how good the score is on this track – Beau Webster

Australian debutant Beau Webster agreed with Rishabh Pant’s assessment of the pitch. Webster highlighted that the Indian batsmen focused on making the Australian bowlers work hard by bowling long lengths.

“They (India’s batsmen) decided to give it to us and bowled us a lot. I’m not sure how good the score was on that track, but we would have batted first if we had won the toss,” he said Webster.

Read also: Watch: Travis Head shows sportsmanship after Mohammed Siraj’s horrific helmet hit at SCG