Pant scored a quick half-century in the team’s victory in the second game against West Indies on February 18.
Pant scored a quick half-century in the team’s victory in the second game against West Indies on February 18.
India wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant says the team is looking to explore as many options as possible ahead of the eight-month T20 World Cup.
Pant, who was picked as the vice-captain for the ongoing T20I series against West Indies in the absence of KL Rahul, scored a brilliant half-century in the team’s victory in the second match here on the night of February 18.
Among other questions, he was also asked about the plans for the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia.
Talking to the media after the match, the 24-year-old said, “There is still time for the World Cup, so the plan is to try as many options as possible.”
“We are trying to figure out which positions suit whom and how they can benefit the team. So, we are trying several options, the one that feels right for the team will ultimately be the last one. ” In the absence of the resting pair of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, seamer Harshal Patel took his nerves to help India emerge winners after West Indies big-hitter Rovman Powell threatened to take the game away with successive sixes in the final. was caught. Above.
Pant said the plan was to keep the ball outside the off-stump.
After being hit for two sixes, the point was to try to bowl outside, but then he finally backed himself.
“Obviously there is pressure in the game, but personally we focus on our skills rather than thinking too much,” Pant said.
With injured Hardik Pandya not available, India are looking to use seam-bowling all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer as a finisher.
Venkatesh, who came in the eyes of the selectors after impressing as an explosive opener for Kolkata Knight Riders in the UAE leg of IPL 2021, smashed 33 off 18 balls.
He shared an entertaining partnership of 76 runs in 35 balls with Pant to take India’s total to 186/5.
“Yes, in the IPL he opened for KKR, but we can’t think too much about it. In the Indian team, we are trying to find different positions for different people. He plays down the order. Were (for the middle region).
Pant praised Venkatesh, saying, “You know the situation when it comes down to it. He (Venkatesh) is the one who reads the situation really well. He is a mature cricketer.”
When asked about their match-turning partnership after Virat Kohli (52) departed in the middle overs, Pant said the plan was simple.
“We talked about keeping it simple and not trying too many things. The plan was simple, look at the ball, hit the ball.” Asked how safe he feels batting at No.5, Pant said: “It’s all about the team’s plan. As a person, I can’t think about how I should get into this. Whether to secure the place or that place.
“I have to do whatever the team wants from me. It keeps improving every day.” India now have another spin option in the form of 21-year-old Ravi Bishnoi, a googly specialist, having returned with match-winning figures of 2/17 on his T20I debut.
In the second T20I, he took 1/30, and Pant was seen consistently egging on the youngster from behind the stumps.
“For a newcomer to the team, it’s about giving him confidence. The more you give him the confidence, the more talking to him about how he feels as a person, these are all important.
“Yes, we can give our plans, but for a bowler, it is very important to know what he feels, especially for a youngster who has just come into the team. So, if we give him the confidence and Let him make his plan, then he will learn more,” Pant signed off.
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