Former Indian bowler Ajit Agarkar claimed that Rishabh Pant's lackluster performance in white-ball cricket has had little to no impact on his performance in Test matches. On the first day of the ongoing, postponed fifth Test between India and England, Pant slammed a brilliant 111-ball 146 with 19 fours and four sixes.
The visiting team recovered thanks to his performance, going from 98-5 to 338-7 at the end of the first day's play.
"He came into the Test match being a little bit under pressure because of his form in white-ball cricket, which has been a tad indifferent. But it hasn't affected his form in Test cricket," Agarkar was quoted as saying on Sony Sports.
Pant also beat MS Dhoni's record for the quickest century by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter in the purest format after reaching his fifth Test ton off 89 balls. Additionally, Pant became the only foreign wicket-keeper to register more than one century in an Test matches played in England.
"He was batting well, particularly for India. In the five-match series where he was the captain, he was under a bit of pressure," he stated.
Agarkar, who has a Test century to his name at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, claimed that Pant's playing style has greatly aided India.
"It's not the first time that he has done it. It shouldn't come as a surprise. It's just good for India that he has kept repeating it, especially in Test cricket. It not only put the opposition under pressure, but put India so far ahead in the game," Agarkar added.
Mohammad Shami and Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten at stumps on Day 1. Jadeja has served as the team's sheet-anchor, scoring 83* off 163 balls while hitting 10 fours.
