India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant’s swashbuckling batting approach in Test cricket often becomes a topic of debate.
While the southpaw has scripted some of India’s best wins with this approach, he has also copped criticism for being reckless on quite a few occasions.
Ahead of the opening Test against Bangladesh, starting December 14 in Chattogram, India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said the team management will never advise Rishabh Pant to restrain his attacking game as he knows his role and expectations from him.
Mhambrey was asked about Rishabh’s ultra-aggressive approach in the pre-match press conference as the latter was seen going hammer and tongs at the nets on Tuesday (December 13).
“We are not having any special discussion with Rishabh. That’s his game and we know that. Nothing changes, that’s the way he prepares for any format, white ball and he is pretty much aware about his role in the team,” Mhambrey told reporters.
“Our conversations are never around the way he is playing as he knows what the team expects out of him,” he added.
While the bowling coach didn’t reveal whether India will go with a third spinner or a third pacer, he was pleased that veteran campaigner Umesh Yadav will spearhead the pace attack.
“Umesh is a very experienced bowler. We all know what Umesh brings to the table. Unfortunately, he hasn’t got too many opportunities as we had Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj playing in England,” Mhambrey said.
“The team management has spoken to him and had discussions and we have lot of clarity as far as Umesh is concerned. The other way I look at it is that he will spearhead the attack and he has lot of experience going into the series. I am also happy how Siraj has progressed in Tests and happy that he has delivered.”
Paras Mhambrey also mentioned that adjustment to red ball format will be key after months of white-ball cricket.
“We are playing Test cricket after long time, takes a little while to have that mental change. You have just come from T20 World Cup in Australia and now it is a different format.
“One good thing is lot of these guys are playing matches. Siraj (ODIs), Umesh (India A) played lot of cricket. Even Navdeep Saini has played a lot as far as A series is concerned,” Mhambrey said.
(With PTI inputs)