ENG vs IND | I like the opposition but I do not think about it much: Rishabh Pant

In the ongoing fifth and final rescheduled Test between India and England, the hosts had won the toss and made the visitors, India, bat first. However, with the rain hindering the day's timeline, it was evident that the conditions of Edgbaston would favour the bowlers. 

At one stage, India struggled at 64/3, having lost the wickets of their top-order batters. The wicketkeeper-batter entered the crease and went on playing at his attacking calibre. Rishabh Pant delivered a masterclass to help India escape a difficult situation, allowing the visitors to finish Day 1 of the rescheduled fifth Test against England on 338/7. At one point, India were at 98/5 before Pant & Ravindra Jadeja combined for 222 runs for the sixth wicket. 

Pant once again took a special liking to spinner Jack Leach, and his innings even included a reverse scoop off the bowling of James Anderson. Eventually, the left-hander got dismissed by Joe Root's spin bowling. The batter scored an impeccable 146 runs off 111 balls, hitting 20 fours and four sixes.

Pant gives an insight about his mindset

"I like the opposition (England), but I do not think about it much. I look to give my 100 per cent in every match. My focus is on the cricket I play. From childhood, my coach Tarak sir, told me that you can hit the ball; but work on your defence. I keep working on my defence. 

In Test cricket, defence is important. Every ball you cannot hit, so I keep focusing and if I think I need to defend, I defend, and if I think I can hit the ball, I hit the ball. Putting the bad ball away is also important. 

If the bowler is bowling well, then giving him respect is also a good sign. I try to play to the merit of the ball," said Pant during a press conference after the close of play on Day 1.

"Especially in conditions like England, where you know the bowler is bowling well. Then it becomes important to disturb his line and length. I keep trying that I do not play in the same manner so that the bowler gets mentally disturbed. 

As a player, I look to give my 100 per cent, I try to play my percentage, and if I feel it's there for me to try a different shot or hit the ball, I tend to back it. I have focused on that, and it's helping me, I guess," he added.

He also talks about his marathon partnership with Jaddu

With a robust and long 222-run partnership between Pant and Jadeja, when asked about their long partnership and discussions, Pant stated, "The discussion with Jadeja was to focus on the partnership. But if you focus on the pressure, you might not get the result. 

I try to focus on my process, it might give me results most of the time. I was trying to build a partnership with Jaddu Bhai, and we thought let's not lose a wicket till the tea break."

India have ended Day 1 on a strong note, and Jadeja will be looking to get to his three-figure mark.