How to manage players like Rishabh Pant and Umar Akmal

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Kindly list down all the great test batsman who did this thankless job by averaging 40+ with bat and helping his team win the series in Australia or any major test nation as standout performer.

Rest of your post are all non-sensical stuffs which doesn't deserve a response.

Learn to read properly first. I said wicketkeeping is a thankless job. What has that got to do with his batting, great batsman and 40+ average? And he hasn't retired yet. Not sure what makes you think that his average will always remain 40+ and can't even come down?

I am not sure why you got hurt and triggered because it was a general thing said about wicketkeeping and it is not specific to Pant only. Just for you I am posting these links so that you can improve your knowledge about wicketkeeping as well. Wicketkeeping is indeed a thankless job.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/5-most-undervalued-things-cricket

https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/...-thankless-job-wriddhiman-saha20191018165256/

Why does it look nonsensical to you when I said people should discuss it on match by match basis? Are you not going to criticise him for playing a bad shot and are only going to do Ga(r)bba Ga(r)bba everytime someone criticises him? Is that hard?

 

[sharmaji]

Pant is incredibly talented, (maybe he doesn't like the T-word too) but is showing terrible temperament with throwing away his wicket. I blame Kohli and Shastri for this. Do you think Pant would bat like he is doing if he is not being encouraged to play his "natural game" by Kohli and Shastri?

I genuinely think there is lack of education in this Indian team. Yes they speak decent English but I don't think this team (players and management) has any ability to analyse their own strengths and weaknesses, opposition's S&W, the maturity to understand the flow of the match, and intelligence to play appropriately to the situation. Education brings humility and understanding of the larger picture. Unfortunately, that's not the case in this team, and Pant is no different.

They are like north Indian village boys with unnecessary aggression and machismo ("phod denge" types) led by a complete joker.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Pant is incredibly talented, (maybe he doesn't like the T-word too) but is showing terrible temperament with throwing away his wicket. I blame Kohli and Shastri for this. Do you think Pant would bat like he is doing if he is not being encouraged to play his "natural game" by Kohli and Shastri?

I genuinely think there is lack of education in this Indian team. Yes they speak decent English but I don't think this team (players and management) has any ability to analyse their own strengths and weaknesses, opposition's S&W, the maturity to understand the flow of the match, and intelligence to play appropriately to the situation. Education brings humility and understanding of the larger picture. Unfortunately, that's not the case in this team, and Pant is no different.

They are like north Indian village boys with unnecessary aggression and machismo ("phod denge" types) led by a complete joker.

First of all it is good to see some fans who don't think that Pant is above criticism and don't find the opinions of others nonsensical. Regarding Pant's natural game I think his natutal game is to attack. And that is how he was trying to play against Anderson & company in this series as well. Giving a charge to Anderson on the first couple of balls he faced is a good example of that. Kohli and Shastri should ask him to calm down and remind him why he was dropped from LOI teams before. Same thing is happening in tests these days.

 

[Mesozoic]

Pant's batting just isn't suited to English conditions. He'll never average over 35 in Eng and even Nz unless he changes his game drastically.

But he's perfectly capable of playing match winning knocks everywhere else.

 

[Ab Fan]

Learn to read properly first. I said wicketkeeping is a thankless job. What has that got to do with his batting, great batsman and 40+ average? And he hasn't retired yet. Not sure what makes you think that his average will always remain 40+ and can't even come down?

I am not sure why you got hurt and triggered because it was a general thing said about wicketkeeping and it is not specific to Pant only. Just for you I am posting these links so that you can improve your knowledge about wicketkeeping as well. Wicketkeeping is indeed a thankless job.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/5-most-undervalued-things-cricket

https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/...-thankless-job-wriddhiman-saha20191018165256/

Why does it look nonsensical to you when I said people should discuss it on match by match basis? Are you not going to criticise him for playing a bad shot and are only going to do Ga(r)bba Ga(r)bba everytime someone criticises him? Is that hard?

List down the great test batsman with 40+ average who did this thankless job I asked. You are not making any sense like always. Kindly respond rather than running away.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

List down the great test batsman with 40+ average who did this thankless job I asked. You are not making any sense like always. Kindly respond rather than running away.

Yeah and you are making sense when I wasn't even talking about batting and said wicketkeeping is a thankless job. I actually backed my argument with two links which you obviously won't read now because you are in a mood to troll. You are asking a question which has nothing to do with my comment regarding wicketkeeping. Nobody is running away from reality except you here. You are still not criticising Pant's shot selection and trying to ask a question which has nothing to do with that. Clearly you are running out of ideas to defend Pant currently.

 

[Saurav]

Pant's batting just isn't suited to English conditions. He'll never average over 35 in Eng and even Nz unless he changes his game drastically.

But he's perfectly capable of playing match winning knocks everywhere else.

Pujara and Rahane also average below 35 in Eng and NZ. But since they got out in orthodox way they've had a long career and its excused

 

[RamLakhan]

Pant is incredibly talented, (maybe he doesn't like the T-word too) but is showing terrible temperament with throwing away his wicket. I blame Kohli and Shastri for this. Do you think Pant would bat like he is doing if he is not being encouraged to play his "natural game" by Kohli and Shastri?

I genuinely think there is lack of education in this Indian team. Yes they speak decent English but I don't think this team (players and management) has any ability to analyse their own strengths and weaknesses, opposition's S&W, the maturity to understand the flow of the match, and intelligence to play appropriately to the situation. Education brings humility and understanding of the larger picture. Unfortunately, that's not the case in this team, and Pant is no different.

They are like north Indian village boys with unnecessary aggression and machismo ("phod denge" types) led by a complete joker.

Good point! I think this is what is going on with this team (This is what a person like Kumble as coach would have tried to rectify!) With this ultra-aggressive and carefree approach we are going to extremes (either too high or too low). But actually we would have built a properly strong & stead team with these resources (In fact we would have "actually" become a strong team like Old West Indies & Australian sides). Kumble would have worked out intelligently with a guy like KL Rahul to move in a proper direction!

Pant is capable of playing in sedate way! But I am sure Shastri would always be screaming into his ears (common play your natural game!) We see even lot of commentators telling this (some "x" player should always play his natural game!) And this guy (Shastri) was a commentator for long time and this is what is the problem you get with commentators becoming coach! It seems like always barking and screaming, and no thought process or methodical approach in anything! In fact Kohli increased his aggressive-antics even more after Shastri joined him!

 

[sharmaji]

I agree. Nobody is above criticism. In fact, criticism is a good thing, it shows one is invested in the player. We would obviously not criticise Vinay Kumar or Vijay Shankar. We criticise Pant, Kohli, KL, Rohit etc because we know they are capable but they are not performing to their/our standards. It's unfortunate that in today's India, everything is seen as for/against forever. The extreme right-wing and left-wing mindset has affected sports too.

Also, I don't get this natural game thing. Why does he have to step out every ball and slog it blindly? He didn't do that in Australia. And moreover, it is not working, so why do the same thing again and again? And this is where Kohli and Shastri (as you pointed out too) should talk to him and tell him to take a deep breath and defend the good balls.

At this rate (fails in the rest of the series), I wouldn't be surprised if he is considered replaceable from tests too.

First of all it is good to see some fans who don't think that Pant is above criticism and don't find the opinions of others nonsensical. Regarding Pant's natural game I think his natutal game is to attack. And that is how he was trying to play against Anderson & company in this series as well. Giving a charge to Anderson on the first couple of balls he faced is a good example of that. Kohli and Shastri should ask him to calm down and remind him why he was dropped from LOI teams before. Same thing is happening in tests these days.

 

[sharmaji]

Unfortunate but true. Looking at what happened with Kumble, I can imagine why Dravid wants to stay away from this team.

You're right. Even while commentating, you can see some commentators analysing and explaining the game in detail (Holding, Atherton, Nasser, Simon Doull, Ian Bishop etc) and some just cheerleading (Manjrekar, Shastri, Ramiz, Dinesh Karthik, Warne etc) which is fun to hear but they seldom make good coaches.

Good point! I think this is what is going on with this team (This is what a person like Kumble as coach would have tried to rectify!) With this ultra-aggressive and carefree approach we are going to extremes (either too high or too low). But actually we would have built a properly strong & stead team with these resources (In fact we would have "actually" become a strong team like Old West Indies & Australian sides). Kumble would have worked out intelligently with a guy like KL Rahul to move in a proper direction!

Pant is capable of playing in sedate way! But I am sure Shastri would always be screaming into his ears (common play your natural game!) We see even lot of commentators telling this (some "x" player should always play his natural game!) And this guy (Shastri) was a commentator for long time and this is what is the problem you get with commentators becoming coach! It seems like always barking and screaming, and no thought process or methodical approach in anything! In fact Kohli increased his aggressive-antics even more after Shastri joined him!

 

[Varun]

If you are happy that an about-to-be 24 years old Rishabh Pant shows the exact same maturity, intelligence and judgment as a 19 year old Umar Akmal, then there is nothing for you to change.

Umar was "Pakistani 19" at the time. So he might have been 24 after all.

 

[OMB]

‘He’s a match-winner and will come good’: Karthik backs Rishabh Pant, says he knows how to deal with these conditions

Dinesh Karthik said Pant doesn’t require to make drastic changes to his approach and technique in the final two Test matches against England.

Team India’s middle-order is under scrutiny once again after the humiliating loss at Headingley in the third Test. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is one of the cricketers who is receiving flak from the cricket fans for his inconsistency. He has endured a tough series so far with only 87 runs in five innings.

Pant came into the series on the back of some promising knocks played in Australia and at home earlier this year. But as far as this series is concerned, he is yet to do what he is known for. However, India cricketer Dinesh Karthik believes that the youngster needs to be given time to flourish.

In a conversation with The Times of India, Karthik said Pant doesn’t require to make drastic changes to his approach and technique in the final two Test matches against England.

“Pant has got most of his runs that way, he got tons of it in Australia and you will have to give him the time and allow him to flourish. I don't think he needs to change anything drastically in the middle of the series. Pant knows how to deal with these conditions. He is a match-winner and I believe he will come good,” Karthik told TOI.

As India moves to London for the fourth Test at The Oval, it’s time for Pant to cherish his maiden Test ton which he smashed in 2018. He had scored 114 off 146 balls during India’s stiff chase of 464 runs. However, India lost the game by 118 runs and lost the series 1-4 to England.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/hes-a-match-winner-and-will-come-good-dinesh-karthik-backs-rishabh-pant-says-he-knows-how-to-deal-with-these-conditions-101630395433136.html

 

[Ted123]

It is absurd to put Pant and Umar Akmal in same bracket.

Umar never really achieved the peak that Pant has already achieved.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I agree. Nobody is above criticism. In fact, criticism is a good thing, it shows one is invested in the player. We would obviously not criticise Vinay Kumar or Vijay Shankar. We criticise Pant, Kohli, KL, Rohit etc because we know they are capable but they are not performing to their/our standards. It's unfortunate that in today's India, everything is seen as for/against forever. The extreme right-wing and left-wing mindset has affected sports too.

Also, I don't get this natural game thing. Why does he have to step out every ball and slog it blindly? He didn't do that in Australia. And moreover, it is not working, so why do the same thing again and again? And this is where Kohli and Shastri (as you pointed out too) should talk to him and tell him to take a deep breath and defend the good balls.

At this rate (fails in the rest of the series), I wouldn't be surprised if he is considered replaceable from tests too.

Pant ain't going anywhere from test team especially when players like Rahane and Pujara are still around. At the moment there is no replacement for Pant because team management won't give them the same number of chances which they gave to Pant.

KL Rahul can be a good wicketkeeper batsman in LOIs but if he is opening in tests then keeping will be very difficult for him.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

It is absurd to put Pant and Umar Akmal in same bracket.

Umar never really achieved the peak that Pant has already achieved.

What did Umar Akmal ever achieve??? If you look at his stats he was a mediocre player.

 

[Junaids]

It is absurd to put Pant and Umar Akmal in same bracket.

Umar never really achieved the peak that Pant has already achieved.

Quite the reverse.

Even at his so called peak, Rishabh Pant has made a fool of himself in 12 of his 14 completed innings in Australia, England and New Zealand in the last 17 months.

Umar Akmal debuted away to Shane Bond's New Zealand and to Australia. And his scores in those first five Tests of his career were:

129 and 75
46 and 52
0 and 77
51 and 27
49 and 49
8 and 15

Rishabh Pant has not even come close to that level of performance that Umar Akmal achieved as a teenager.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Pant will continue to struggle most of the times in NZ and Eng, a technical issue and not temperament related.

Rest of the world he is an out-and-out matchwinner. Doesn't score soft runs, more often than not gets decent scores (beat a record of Viv, most consecutive 25+ scores earlier this year) and he can do feats which only Stokes can match among current lot.

Look at his 4th innings record, twice as good as Gilchrist. Already has more 4th innings runs than Gilchrist at 60+ average, won his team a series in Australia that too in Brisbane.

What has impressed me most the last 6 months has been improvement in his glovework. Can't recall the last time he dropped a catch, he struggles while keeping only against Ashwin but that is understandable, not many bowlers of that quality and deception in world cricket.

Don't mind his low scores now, a dip was expected after the highs earlier this year. But since his keeping is so much improved now, that is a big positive.

Show some patience in his abilities, talent like that must be backed with eyes closed. Look at other wicket-keeping options in India, no one compares.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Pant is scoring a 100 next game.

Wait and see.

#ThankYouJunaids

Oval has the most un-English conditions in that part of the world, less lateral movement, hard and abrasive pitch, high bounce, fastish. Best chance for him to join the party.

 

[Ab Fan]

Pant will continue to struggle most of the times in NZ and Eng, a technical issue and not temperament related.

<B> Rest of the world he is an out-and-out matchwinner. Doesn't score soft runs, more often than not gets decent scores (beat a record of Viv, most consecutive 25+ scores earlier this year) and he can do feats which only Stokes can match among current lot.</B>

Look at his 4th innings record, twice as good as Gilchrist. Already has more 4th innings runs than Gilchrist at 60+ average, won his team a series in Australia that too in Brisbane.

What has impressed me most the last 6 months has been improvement in his glovework. Can't recall the last time he dropped a catch, he struggles while keeping only against Ashwin but that is understandable, not many bowlers of that quality and deception in world cricket.

Don't mind his low scores now, a dip was expected after the highs earlier this year. But since his keeping is so much improved now, that is a big positive.

Show some patience in his abilities, talent like that must be backed with eyes closed. Look at other wicket-keeping options in India, no one compares.

Absolutely. All this at age of 23 only after not even playing enough at home where every Indian batsman cash on lot of runs. Now that he will be playing equally home and away, it is pretty much a given that he will have a career average close to mid-40s.

Similar to Sehwag, he will be a beast in subcontinent and Australia but struggle in SEN conditions.

 

[sharmaji]

That's fine but shoudn't he even try to do better/bat sensibly in SEN conditions? The way he is batting in this series, it looks like he doesn't care. There are no signs of improvement, progress. Each innings, he just charges at a fast bowler and blindly slogs to the cow corner, missing the ball. He is better than that. I am disappointed not with his skills/talent but with his attitude.

It is unfortunate that with all the talent in the world, he is quickly becoming a cliche.

Absolutely. All this at age of 23 only after not even playing enough at home where every Indian batsman cash on lot of runs. Now that he will be playing equally home and away, it is pretty much a given that he will have a career average close to mid-40s.

Similar to Sehwag, he will be a beast in subcontinent and Australia but struggle in SEN conditions.

 

[Ab Fan]

That's fine but shoudn't he even try to do better/bat sensibly in SEN conditions? The way he is batting in this series, it looks like he doesn't care. There are no signs of improvement, progress. Each innings, he just charges at a fast bowler and blindly slogs to the cow corner, missing the ball. He is better than that. I am disappointed not with his skills/talent but with his attitude.

It is unfortunate that with all the talent in the world, he is quickly becoming a cliche.

You have to be patient for that. Look at Virat Kohli, he got 130 runs in 10 innings in 2014 tour of England. Same was said about him too, he was not improving. But when he went to Australia, he hit four hundreds and proved his worth.

It is never easy to improve mid-way and especially when it is the Headingley Test only which was the horror show for him. Before that, in three innings, he got 25, 37 and 22. So, he was having the cameos but it was Headingley which was absolute failure for him. This is bound to happen. He had two great series, a dip was clearly on corner. It happens with everyone. We have specialist batsman like Rahane who has produced same result in this series and his dip has been constant since 2016.

A player's peak is officially 25-32 so being patient is important. The suggestions that dropping Pant and making KL keep is ridiculous because as much as people say, keeping affects the batting and same applies vice versa too.

 

[sharmaji]

Got it. Ofcourse Pant is bound to fail like any cricketer and that is ok but the manner in which he is batting and getting out is frustrating.

The suggestion to make KL keep was an overstatement on my part, I accept. It was only an emotional response to teach him a lesson that he should value his wicket and play responsibly.

Pant will and should continue but I hope for his sake that he bats a bit more sensibly. I like the guy, he has improved his keeping but his batting doesn't seem to have a plan, like he doesn't know whether to attack or defend.

You have to be patient for that. Look at Virat Kohli, he got 130 runs in 10 innings in 2014 tour of England. Same was said about him too, he was not improving. But when he went to Australia, he hit four hundreds and proved his worth.

It is never easy to improve mid-way and especially when it is the Headingley Test only which was the horror show for him. Before that, in three innings, he got 25, 37 and 22. So, he was having the cameos but it was Headingley which was absolute failure for him. This is bound to happen. He had two great series, a dip was clearly on corner. It happens with everyone. We have specialist batsman like Rahane who has produced same result in this series and his dip has been constant since 2016.

A player's peak is officially 25-32 so being patient is important. The suggestions that dropping Pant and making KL keep is ridiculous because as much as people say, keeping affects the batting and same applies vice versa too.

 

[Ab Fan]

Got it. Ofcourse Pant is bound to fail like any cricketer and that is ok but the manner in which he is batting and getting out is frustrating.

The suggestion to make KL keep was an overstatement on my part, I accept. It was only an emotional response to teach him a lesson that he should value his wicket and play responsibly.

Pant will and should continue but I hope for his sake that he bats a bit more sensibly. I like the guy, he has improved his keeping but <B>his batting doesn't seem to have a plan, like he doesn't know whether to attack or defend</B>.

That is true, not denying. But I will give him some more time to improve his game vs lateral movement.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Some fans are funny. They are ready to give unlimited time and games to their favorite players to improve in certain conditions but want to discard other young players who they don't like after just 3 away games in similar conditions. Wow.

 

[globalcitizen]

The thing is, Umar Akmal was making these brainless errors as a kid of 19 and 20 years of age.

Pant is almost 24. He’s at an age when people in countries like his are often already parents!

Does it not worry people that he has such terrible judgment and such awful decision-making ability?

You start with something for everyone to debate and then when not many agree with you, you are comparing random things lol, talk about desperation.

Rishabh has won 2 series for india in Australia and against England in India.

So I think India are happy to keep rishabh and win a Australian and england series and Pakistan can bring back umar. Be happy.

 

[globalcitizen]

That's fine but shoudn't he even try to do better/bat sensibly in SEN conditions? The way he is batting in this series, it looks like he doesn't care. There are no signs of improvement, progress. Each innings, he just charges at a fast bowler and blindly slogs to the cow corner, missing the ball. He is better than that. I am disappointed not with his skills/talent but with his attitude.

It is unfortunate that with all the talent in the world, he is quickly becoming a cliche.

I think rishabh still does not understand how to approach the game in midst of a collapse. It's understandable because he does not have the technique to handle English swing bowlers.
It makes it even more difficult when he tries to defends and gets nicked off.
these are players who consolidate a game and win from hopeless situations not play a waiting game. That should be job of top order

 

[Mamoon]

The thing is, Umar Akmal was making these brainless errors as a kid of 19 and 20 years of age.

Pant is almost 24. He’s at an age when people in countries like his are often already parents!

Does it not worry people that he has such terrible judgment and such awful decision-making ability?

This “terrible judgment and such awful decision-making ability” gave India a Test series win in Australia.

A less gutsy and adventurous player would have never pulled off in Perth what Pant did.

India accepts that Pant will have his lean patches because of the brand of cricket that he plays, but what he brings to the team is something that no one else can.

He is a devastating player and a match-winner through and through. India is fine with his terrible judgment and awful decision-making ability.

 

[Cric1234]

This “terrible judgment and such awful decision-making ability” gave India a Test series win in Australia.

A less gutsy and adventurous player would have never pulled off in Perth what Pant did.

India accepts that Pant will have his lean patches because of the brand of cricket that he plays, but what he brings to the team is something that no one else can.

He is a devastating player and a match-winner through and through. India is fine with his terrible judgment and awful decision-making ability.

It was a very good innings but not extraordinary as some are making it to be Gill made the highest score at a similar strike rate to Pant Rahane and the lower order made 50 odd runs at a quick rate these important contributions are not even talked about just Pant this Pant that.

 

[Cric1234]

Umar Akmal played some nice innings on his first tours to NZ and Aus first match in NZ he made 129 and 75 but Pakistan lost by 32 runs not really his fault they lost due to a lack of support from his teammates.

In the Sydney test he made 49 (got out hitting out as wickets were falling quickly from the other end) from a team total of 139 again a lack of support from the other batsmen was why Pakistan lost.

 

[Ab Fan]

<B>It was a very good innings but not extraordinary</B> as some are making it to be Gill made the highest score at a similar strike rate to Pant Rahane and the lower order made 50 odd runs at a quick rate these important contributions are not even talked about just Pant this Pant that.

It was. Read below:-


"It is a fact that Pant was the man who changed the complexion of the Australia series and won it for his team as standout performer. Nitpicking it will not change the reality.

A 97 and 89* back-to-back can be played by anyone.

But doing it in Australia is not something which everyone can do but still many players can.

However, doing it in Australia with series on line is something which very few can do.

And most importantly, doing it in Australia with series on line while chasing almost 150 runs in final session of the final test with wickets tumbling from other end( Pujara, Mayank, Sundar, Thakur) and you are up against a truly great fast bowler like Pat Cummins is a stuff which even the elitest of the batsman wish to do."

 

[Cric1234]

It was. Read below:-


"It is a fact that Pant was the man who changed the complexion of the Australia series and won it for his team as standout performer. Nitpicking it will not change the reality.

A 97 and 89* back-to-back can be played by anyone.

But doing it in Australia is not something which everyone can do but still many players can.

However, doing it in Australia with series on line is something which very few can do.

And most importantly, doing it in Australia with series on line while chasing almost 150 runs in final session of the final test with wickets tumbling from other end( Pujara, Mayank, Sundar, Thakur) and you are up against a truly great fast bowler like Pat Cummins is a stuff which even the elitest of the batsman wish to do."

Well if it was extraordinary then how would you rate Gills innings of 91 which set up the chase also how would you rate Thakurs contribution of 67 in the first innings where Pant didn’t make a big score and 4 wickets to give India a chance of winning.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Well if it was extraordinary then how would you rate Gills innings of 91 which set up the chase also how would you rate Thakurs contribution of 67 in the first innings where Pant didn’t make a big score and 4 wickets to give India a chance of winning.

No one wants to discuss that. Let me give you a similar example. Dhoni played a match winning knock in the World Cup final but most of the fans give credit to Gautam Gambhir. I wonder why?

 

[Ab Fan]

Well if it was extraordinary then how would you rate Gills innings of 91 which set up the chase also how would you rate Thakurs contribution of 67 in the first innings where Pant didn’t make a big score and 4 wickets to give India a chance of winning.

Gill's was very good knock but it didn't guaranteed the result.

Sundar and Shardul were very good knocks but it didn't guaranteed the result.

When Pant came to bat, it was still either's game and then when Pujara got out, it was Australia's game to win. At that point, most teams would collapse as it generally happens on Day 5 final inning. Mayank, Sundar, Shardul all got out cheaply. As I already said, chasing 150 runs in final sessions with wickets tumbling at other end is a kind of stuff that .............!

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Gill's was very good knock but it didn't guaranteed the result.

Sundar and Shardul were very good knocks but it didn't guaranteed the result.

When Pant came to bat, it was still either's game and then when Pujara got out, it was Australia's game to win. At that point, most teams would collapse as it generally happens on Day 5 final inning. Mayank, Sundar, Shardul all got out cheaply. As I already said, chasing 150 runs in final sessions with wickets tumbling at other end.............!

Didn't guaranteed the result? What a logic lol. I think from next test onwards KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma should also don't waste their time and should not score runs because there is no guarantee that India will win even with their contribution at the top. Waah bhai waah.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

No one wants to discuss that. Let me give you a similar example. Dhoni played a match winning knock in the World Cup final but most of the fans give credit to Gautam Gambhir. I wonder why?

Well if it was extraordinary then how would you rate Gills innings of 91 which set up the chase also how would you rate Thakurs contribution of 67 in the first innings where Pant didn’t make a big score and 4 wickets to give India a chance of winning.

Ashes 2019 headingley is known for Stokes' knock even though Archer took 6-45 and 2-40 in the same match and Root made 77 while chasing.
As simple as that.

 

[Cric1234]

Ashes 2019 headingley is known for Stokes' knock even though Archer took 6-45 and 2-40 in the same match and Root made 77 while chasing.
As simple as that.

No Stokes made 135 and even more remarkably made 75 out of 76 runs with the no 11 batsman chasing 362 a near impossible and extraordinary achievement which Pant wasn’t there was never any danger of India being all out the extra wickets were due to the batsman scoring quickly.

 

[Ab Fan]

As example, if in WC 2011 Final, Dhoni would have scored his 98 runs with wickets tumbling from other end( Yuvraj, Raina and the no. 8), then his knock would have been considered greater than Gambhir.

But it was the other way round. It was actually when Gambhir batted, the wickets were tumbling and he had to do the hard yards.

In Pant and Gill's case, when Gill was scoring those quick runs, he had the calmness of Pujara who was defending so well as if he is gonna bat whole day. While when Pant scored quick runs, it was in the final session when it is all now and never situation. You do not want to leave it to the tailenders- Saini( who himself was not fit), Siraj and Natarajan. Clearly an ATG knock and it was recognised by even his criticisers also on that day.

 

[Mamoon]

It was a very good innings but not extraordinary as some are making it to be Gill made the highest score at a similar strike rate to Pant Rahane and the lower order made 50 odd runs at a quick rate these important contributions are not even talked about just Pant this Pant that.

It was an extraordinary innings. Simply sensational.

Gill and Pujara contributed as well, but Pant was batting against time and marshaling the lower-order as well. The stuff that he pulled off in the last 10-15 overs of that game was magical. That is why he was declared Man of the Match.

On that day, he cemented himself as the heir to Adam Gilchrist’s throne.

 

[Cric1234]

It was an extraordinary innings. Simply sensational.

Gill and Pujara contributed as well, but Pant was batting against time and marshaling the lower-order as well. The stuff that he pulled off in the last 10-15 overs of that game was magical. That is why he was declared Man of the Match.

On that day, he cemented himself as the heir to Adam Gilchrist’s throne.

The heir to Gilchrists throne just played another amazing shot and proved he needs flat wickets with little help for the bowlers like the Gabba to make a decent score.

 

[MenInG]

Pant and U Akmal can never be consistent due to the style of cricket they play.

 

[Ab Fan]

The definition of a big match player who relishes in crunch situation:-

<B>2021 England vs India</B> :

With series drawn at 1-1, the morning session of Day 4 could have been the series defining session ( as noted by our little brother, BVB) and it ultimately was as Pant notched up a responsible 50 in a tricky situation with series on line after his captain edged one to Moeen Ali's delivery in slips.

<B>2021 India vs England</B> :

At 146/6 with series on line, Pant smashes a magnificent test hundred at Ahmedabad and takes his team to total of 365 and ultimately helps them win the match and the series as well.

<B>2020 Australia vs India</B> :

With series on line at 1-1 in Sydney, he smashes a brave 97 to see his team off two sessions and sense a feeling of intimidation in Australian camp.

In Brisbane 2021 in the series decider, he smashes an all time great knock under pressure of 89 to chase down 328 in a historical win, especially which includes chasing 150 runs in final session, most of which on his own.


To conclude, Pant has proved to be a genuine test match winner and someone who relishes in big games and crunch situations.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Umar Akmal won’t be part of the team for next 3 years which is very good.

 

[Advaith]

Pant is the difference between winning series abroad and giving close fight in the series..These impactful innings are worth in gold ..

 

[Hasan123]

Umar Akmal was never on Pants level. Pant is one of the most feared players in the world right now. The longer he bats the more chance he has of taking the game away from the opponents. Hence their fear. He’s truly a remarkable cricketer in the making.