Following skipper Kohli’s untimely dismissal, the stage was set for Rishabh Pant to light the stadium ablaze with his pyrotechnics. Alas, it was not to be as the southpaw had a tough time in the swinging conditions. Pant had a hard time getting off the mark, needing 20 deliveries and a freebie to get started.
The fans were subject to disappointment soon however when Pant chased a wide delivery and edged it straight to Tom Latham at second slip. His dismissal meant that India were in a spot of bother at 156/5, with hopes of establishing a good first innings total out the window.
Here are the batting averages of Indians against the spinners in the World Test Championship 🏏🇮🇳 #RavindraJadeja #RohitSharma #RishabhPant #ViratKohli #ShubmanGill #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/tT79potErp
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) June 19, 2021
Nasser Hussain – part of the commentary panel for the WTC Final – was disappointed with Pant’s dismissal, especially after displaying steady patience. He spoke about the Pant’s technique, or the lack thereof.
“I mean he could have done something different. It was a wide ball that he could have left alone. Jamieson was smart, from around the wicket, the angle went with him. If he swings it in, he takes the LBW out of the equation. So, he went over the wicket and there was a review that was just clipping. The technique is not there. He’s not moved his foot across and it’s a dangerous shot,” he told on the Star Sports show.
Handling of Rishabh Pant going forward will be crucial: Nasser Hussain
He went on to call Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri as the right people to guide the youngster. Pant, who was dismissed on 4, needs to be set free in order to play his aggressive style, according to the former England captain.
“The handling of Rishabh Pant going forward will be crucial. Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli are the best men to handle him because they are just going to let him be. You just can’t sit Rishabh Pant down and ask why did he do that. He’s just not that sort of a cricketer. They have to let him go and let him express himself,” he concluded.
