Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar on Tuesday heaped praise on Rishabh Pant, saying the India Test vice-captain is not only taking his batting to new heights but is also improving a lot as a wicket-keeper in Test cricket. Manjrekar said that he is happy that Pant is taking the responsibility of wicketkeeping seriously.
Rishabh Pant became only the second Indian wicketkeeper to score a century and a half-century in the same Test, as he smashed 146 off just 111 balls in the first innings of the rescheduled fifth Test against England at Birmingham. Pant scored a half-century in the second innings.
Pant’s efforts went in vain as India failed to defend 378 runs as England leveled the 5-match series 2-2 in their highest run chase in the history of Test cricket. Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root hit an unbeaten century and shared a 269-run partnership as England reduced their total early in the day. 5 in the morning.
England vs India, 5th Test: report , Highlight
As Manjrekar pointed out, Pant protected the wickets well in tough conditions as the new ball was moving both ways, swinging more often late. India’s wicketkeeper-batsman was safe behind the wickets, even as a drop catch on the outfield left the visitors at a loss.
“No doubt about it (Pant, batsman, impressed. He has established himself as a potential great that we are looking at. 5 centuries and just one more home away from home is unbelievable. But I just A lot has been said about his keeping, his batting,” Manjrekar told Sony Sports on Friday.
He said, “I just love how seriously he has taken that job. Because, after doing well with the bat, you can relax sometimes. I can’t wait for him to be a keeper,” he said. Was a little skeptical, especially in situations like these,” he said.
Growth of wicketkeeper Pant
Notably, Pant was not the first-choice wicketkeeper at home as questions were raised over his ability to keep up for the spinners. However, the Delhi wicket-keeper became the first choice in Tests last year after a stellar performance at home against England.
Manjrekar highlighted that MS Dhoni also improved his wicketkeeping as he gained more experience in international cricket and Pant is following a similar path.
“The big news for India is Pant’s development of the wicketkeeper. You don’t see him chattering around the stumps much. He has taken the job very seriously, and his improvement has been remarkable, just like Dhoni.
Manjrekar said, “How he improved as a keeper. I liked his commitment because while being so successful as a batsman, you can take this job a little bit easier. It’s amazingly brilliant.”