Former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad has shared his views on the Indian keeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s lack of sound technique in the longest format of the game. Notably, his comments came after India’s first innings in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Speaking on Sony Sports Network, Prasad believes the fearlessness of his approach and his ability to milk runs compensate for Pant’s lack of sound technique. Pant scored 63 off 89 deliveries, his second consecutive half-century in the series.
“He is fearless and backs himself to play the way he does. There is no technique in it. Generally, most other batters tend to miss the shots he pulls off because he is completely out of line. The way he got out at Galle and here, trying to play over cover, he was too far away from the ball. So, technically, he is not sound. But who cares about technique now? He is effective and gets those runs,” Prasad said on Sony Sports Network.
On the other hand, the former wicketkeeper Saba Karim has heaped praise on Pant, terming him a remarkable personality. Notably, Pant has an impressive Test record with 3,725 runs in 52 Tests at an average of almost 44, including eight centuries and 21 half-centuries.
“He adds so much value when he bats in Tests despite claims that he is irresponsible. I hope the team management is giving him the right messages to continue to be like this. At times, even in difficult conditions, he is the only one who can stand up and play match-winning knocks,” Saba Karim said.
“He is a remarkable personality. He has the rare ability to read what the bowler thinks and react accordingly. These are intrinsic qualities of Pant, which make him a rare commodity. No other batter in international cricket can even get close to Rishabh Pant,” he added.
