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“Rishabh Pant has to modify his game”: Amit Mishra bluntly assesses risk of getting dropped

Soumyajit Dutta

Amit Mishra and Rishabh Pant [Source: @Mahi_Patel_07/X]Amit Mishra and Rishabh Pant [Source: @Mahi_Patel_07/X]

Rishabh Pant has been facing the brunt of criticism recently because of his woeful Test form, driven by poor shot selection and gameplay. Former India spinner Amit Mishra has shared his advice for the wicketkeeper-batter to modify his game or risk being dropped from the Indian Test team.

Significantly, Mishra feels that Pant needs to alter his unorthodox and quick-fire approach, as opponents have thoroughly scanned his gameplay and might trap him earlier than expected.

Mishra advises to bring change in Pant’s gameplay

Speaking on the Men’s XP Podcast, Amit Mishra discussed Rishabh Pant’s prospects and how he can remain a key part of the Indian team by modifying his style.

“I have very high expectations from Rishabh Pant. Given the kind of player he is, he will also have to modify his game. Now, you can’t really call him a youngster anymore — he has been in the team since 2018. That’s what I’m saying: after a certain point in time, it becomes very important to modify your game,” Mishra said.

Mishra further emphasised that opponents are noticing every move Pant makes, and even his unorthodox style of gameplay might not work in the long run.

“The opposition teams are watching you closely. They are observing you, understanding your game, and planning against you — where you hit fast bowling, which balls you don’t attack, they notice everything. So you also need to be aware of that. You can’t keep saying, ‘I got out the same way again here.’ That’s something you must avoid,” Mishra added.

Speaking on Pant’s stubborn attitude towards his flamboyant batting styles, Mishra advised a more flexible and alternative approach.

“If a particular shot doesn’t work on a certain pitch, then don’t play it. You can’t insist on saying, ‘This is how I play, this is my game.’ Then go ahead and do it — you will do it for four or five matches more and eventually get dropped. You can’t expect it to work everywhere. You won’t get the same kind of wicket everywhere where you can keep hitting fours and sixes. At some places, you’ll get turning tracks; at others, there will be bounce or swing. How you handle those conditions — that’s up to you,” Mishra said.

Though in the India vs England series, Pant was successful, averaging 68.43 from seven innings with three half-centuries and two centuries to his name.

However, the South Africa tour highlighted his immediate downfall, where he managed only 49 runs from four innings, averaging just 12.25. He was exposed on every front, as implied by Amit Mishra.