Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman has emphasised on the role that Rishabh Pant is likely to play in the India first innings against England in the first Test. India are 125/4 at the moment with KL Rahul unbeaten on 57 and Pant on 7 having just started his innings. How the keeper-batsman plays on day 3 can be a deciding factor in the Test match. Pant has been in good form with the bat since the Australia tour and the Indian team management would ideally hope that he continues batting in that manner.

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo about the second day’s play VVS Laxman said that Pant has been given the license by the team management to play his natural game.

“I think I expect both of them to continue the way they are playing. With KL Rahul, he would be lucky that Dom Sibley dropped him (which I thought should have been taken at the second slip). Rishabh Pant will play his natural game. He has been given the license by the team management to play his natural game. Because once he backs his natural instincts, that’s when Rishabh Pant is the most dangerous batsman he can be” Laxman told ESPN Cricinfo.

Rishabh Pant Will Play His Natural Game: VVS Laxman

Laxman further said that he expects Pant to go out and express himself on day 3. He added saying that he hopes that Pant has learnt from the mistakes he committed in the second innings of the WTC final where he tried to be excessively attacking and lost his wicket in the process.

“But I just hope that he learns from the way he batted in the second innings of the World Test Championship final. Playing your natural game does not mean you keep stepping out and throwing your bat at everything which comes your way. It’s about knowing which area to be positive and which area or which length or line to be a little defensive and respect the good deliveries” Laxman concluded.

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