The second Test between India and England at Edgbaston is almost here, as it starts this week on Wednesday and the spotlight is once again on Rishabh Pant.
After his stunning performance in the first match at Headingley, where he scored 134 and 118 in two innings, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter has impressed fans and opponents alike, including England captain Ben Stokes.
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Pant smashed centuries in both innings of the Leeds Test and even though India lost, his fearless approach left a mark. As both teams prepare for the next game in Birmingham, Stokes opened up about what it's like watching Pant bat.
Let’s see what the England skipper had to say ahead of this clash.
What does Stokes think of Pant’s batting?
Stokes didn’t hold back in praising Pant’s explosive style. Speaking before the second Test, Stokes said he truly enjoys watching Pant take on the bowlers, describing him as a “very dangerous player.”
He shared how Pant plays the game with freedom and said that when a player with that kind of natural talent is given room to express himself, the results can be breathtaking, just like his twin hundreds in the first match.
“I absolutely love watching Rishabh Pant play cricket. I love the way he takes it on, in all formats of the game,” said Stokes. “He has got a bit of stick in his time, but that type of talent, when you let that type of talent be free, that is what can happen, you know, like last week.”
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In the first innings at Leeds, Pant got off the mark with a bold move as he stepped out and hitting Stokes for a boundary. The England skipper admitted that all he could do was smile. The battle between them continued through the match, with Pant repeatedly taking on England’s plans.
Does Pant’s style also give chances to England?
While he praised Pant’s courage, Stokes was also honest about the risks involved. He pointed out that Pant’s style can go either way, a couple of mistimed shots and things could have looked different.
Still, Stokes made it clear: the Indian keeper’s impact cannot be denied. Whether it’s scoring quickly or unsettling bowlers, Pant brings an X-factor to the Indian team.
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“Two hundreds in the game, credit to him. We know we are going to get our chances with the way Rishabh plays. On a different day, it could have looked a little bit different if one of those shots had gone straight into a hand,” he said. “But yeah, very dangerous player. We know what he brings to the Indian team. I really enjoy watching him.”
With the series hanging in the balance, Pant’s fearless batting could once again be the difference-maker. England know what he’s capable of, the question now is, can they stop him?