Ahmedabad: Rishabh Pant’s attacking style of batting has the India team management’s mandate as long as he gets the job done more often than not and people should cut him some slack when there is an odd failure, said Rohit Sharma.
Pant has his own style of batting. Obviously, there have been messages as to how he needs to approach his innings.
He seems to be batting in his own style, which is great from our perspective as well because he seems to be getting the job done. And, that is more important, said Rohit.
Rohit could empathise a lot with Pant as he himself has seen the flip side of being rated as a talent. You should have a mix of players in your squad.
There would be a few guys who would play respectfully, then you need someone who will take those chances and be courageous.
That is absolutely fine for the team management as long as he gets the job done, added the India white ball vice-captain.
Rohit urged one and all not to nitpick Pant’s occasional failures which come with the package.
But there will be times when he will play his shots and will get out and I don’t want anyone to get upset with that. Pant is someone who will play an innings to get the team out of a tough situation, said Rohit.
When asked whether Pant is ready to fill MS Dhoni’s shoes, Rohit was less diplomatic than some of his peers. He is more than ready I guess. He seems to be doing the job for us.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant said that he has the license to go for his shots, but had to bide time, considering the game situation, before going for the most outlandish of strokes during his sensational innings.
The reverse sweep off James Anderson was easily the most outrageous shot he played on the day.
When asked about that particular stroke, Pant said: You have to premeditate reverse-flicks, but if luck is going your way you can take the odd chance. I get the license most of the time, but I have to assess the situation and take the game head on. I like to make the team win and if the crowd is entertained by that, I am happy.
Pant came in when India batsmen had been choked for runs. The 23-year-old displayed tremendous game sense to bide his time before taking on a worn-out attack to the cleaners. The southpaw, who not so long ago was criticised for his reckless approach, said that he needed to be cautious considering the match situation.
If the bowlers are bowling well, respect them and take the singles. That was on my mind. I like to play the situation and I just see the ball and react. That is the USP (unique selling point) of my game, he said.