Rishabh Pant's Fearless Batting Astonishes AB de Villiers
The name of Indian wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant is on everyone's lips these days, and South Africa's legendary player de Villiers also comes to mind, who talked a lot about Pant's fearless batting in the first test. In the first test, Pant included his name in the history books and became the second wicketkeeper to score a century in both innings. His fearless batting approach created a completely different atmosphere for the crowd and the ground.
Pant, as always, did not dare to be afraid of anyone and also did not shy away from taking shots on the spells of England bowlers and reached triple numbers in both innings. De Villiers talked about Pant's high-risk style of batting, saying that he could count 20 such moments where Pant could get out before reaching 30 runs in both innings. However, he also accepted that Pant's fearless approach and contribution are what make his game strong.
De Villiers said,
"He takes a lot of risks. Sometimes it leaves you very disappointed. I can count 20 times when he could have been out for less than 30 runs in both innings. But he didn't, and that's the most important thing. He's a player who outsmarts the opposition, and 99 times out of 100, they are your successful players."
If we talk about the scores of both innings of Pant, he made 134 runs in the first innings and 118 runs in the second innings. In the first test, Pant handled the responsibility of being the vice-captain quite well and patiently handled the moments where there was a little risk.
Further, de Villiers said that he was shocked to see Pant's fearless batting, but later he was praised when his approach brought good results.
He said,
"I was lying on the sofa and asking, Rishabh, what are you doing? This is not the right time and place for this. But look at the result. This is what matters the most. It is a great shame that he could not cross the line because he deserved to be the Man of the Match."
The former South African player does not believe that even though India has lost the first test, there is no need for him to panic now.
"Suddenly a lot of questions are being raised. I know there are a lot of people in the media who are writing big headlines, 'We need a change.' I don't think there is a need to panic right now. It is a five-test series."