Indian wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant said that he batted with patience on the first day of the fifth Test against Australia because the SCG pitch was such that he could not play his natural aggressive game.
Pant, who was facing criticism after losing his wicket by playing irresponsible shots in the last Test in Melbourne, scored 40 runs in 98 balls. The Indian team was out for 185 runs in the first innings. Pant said in the press conference after the first day’s play, “Looking at the wicket in this innings, I was not in a position to play aggressively.”
He said, “Sometimes you have to play defensively.” There were times when I was 50. Could have taken 50 risks but I didn’t.” Pant said he is maturing as a batsman and learning to balance between aggressive and defensive play.
He said, “You want to bat naturally but also learn to balance aggression and defensive play.” Pant admitted that if the batsman does not play well, things get complicated. He said, “When you are not able to play well, you start overthinking.”
