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Former Team India opener Sunil Gavaskar has called Rishabh Pant unpredictable after watching the latter’s batting in the second innings of the ongoing first Test at Headingley. On Day 4 of the opening game, India skipper Shubman Gill fell early against Brydon Carse. Following the 25-year-old’s departure, Pant came at the crease to support KL Rahul. Rahul has looked composed thus far while Pant has taken risks and played bold shots from his bat. Noting both players’ batting, commentators relishing the game called Rahul’s performance ‘classical music’ while Pant’s batting attitude ‘hip hop.’
There have been a couple of instances in the innings when Pant got reprieves while attempting to play unconventional strokes from his bat. Noting Pant’s shots, Gavaskar termed the southpaw ‘unpredictable.’ Pant has performed magnificently for India in this match thus far. In the first innings, he played an impactful 134 off 178.
Dinesh Karthik, who is also a part of the commentary panel, wants Pant to be cautious and think about the team's score. “Whatever Rishabh Pant is doing, it's not helping. If I were KL Rahul, all I'd tell Rishabh Pant right now is play the way you want, but our goal is to try and get the team a huge partnership. It could mean get to 200, could mean get to lunch, whatever will work for him. Instead of telling him to be careful or not to play this shot, I don't think those messages sit well with him,” said Karthik.
Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul's partnership put India in stronger position on day 4
Talking about the match, after taking a small lead of six runs in the first innings, India now aim to get another big score in the second innings and give England a tough target to chase. Coming to bat in the second innings, the visitors were reduced to 92/3 on day four with KL Rahul at the crease. After that, Rishabh Pant joined Rahul at the crease as the duo put up a partnership of 195 runs for the fourth wicket.
Rahul was first to reach his hundred as he achieved the milestone in 202 balls. After a few moments, Pant also went on to scored his second ton in the same Test matches in 130 balls. The left-hander got out after scoring 118 runs off 140 balls hitting 15 fours and three sixes. By the end of second session on day four, India were at 298 runs for the loss of four wickets.
