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Key Points

Ravi Shastri praised Rishabh Pant's aggressive yet calculated century at Leeds, calling it a display of sharp cricketing intelligence. Pant’s 118-run knock, alongside KL Rahul’s composed 120*, helped India build a commanding lead. Shastri noted Pant’s ability to counterattack strategically, defying conventional batting logic. India’s strong position was further bolstered by Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul against England.

Key Points: Ravi Shastri Praises Rishabh Pant's Sharp Cricket Brain at Leeds

  • Pant's 118-run counter-attack with KL Rahul set India's dominance
  • Shastri highlights Pant's tactical brilliance despite aggressive style
  • India's 298/4 lead extends beyond 300 runs
  • Bumrah's 5-wicket haul restricts England to 465
3 min read

An element of sharp cricket brain..: Shastri on Pant's counter-attack at Leeds

Shastri lauds Pant's aggressive century against England, highlighting his sharp cricketing instincts in India's dominant Leeds performance.

"People say Pant's batting defies logic, but there is an element of a sharp cricket brain behind it. – Ravi Shastri"

Leeds, June 23

Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has hailed wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's audacious century in the second innings at Leeds against England, saying that there is an " element of a sharp cricket brain" behind Pant's batting.

Pant and KL's second-innings centuries put India in a dominant position as the second innings lead swelled over 300, setting up for an exciting finish on the final day at Leeds. While KL's ton was much more calm, composed and defined by technique, Pant delivered box-office cricket with his aggressive brand of batting.

Accoridng to Sky Sports, Shastri said Pant's knock has given India a lot of food for thought.

"There is plenty of food for thought, but India will be very happy after a technical masterpiece from Rahul and the flamboyance and exuberance that you can imagine from Pant."

"People say Pant's batting defies logic, but there is an element of a sharp cricket brain behind it. He knows when to counterattack," he added.

Shastri said Pant could have had a double-digit of Test centuries had he converted his seven dismissals in 90s to triple figures.

Coming to the match, at Tea, India were 298/4, with KL Rahul (120*) and Karun Nair (4*) unbeaten. Pant scored 118 runs in the second innings, his second ton in the match, and consolidated the innings with a crucial 195-run partnership with KL Rahul.

India started the second session at 153/3, with Pant (31*) and KL (72*) unbeaten. The duo launched a brilliant counter-attack against English bowling, taking them to their respective centuries, with Pant dismissed for 118 in 140 balls, with 15 fours and three sixes.

India ended the first session at 153/3, with vice-captain Rishabh Pant (31*) and KL Rahul (72*) unbeaten.

Despite Carse striking early, removing Shubman for just eight and sinking India to 92/3, Team India managed to give themselves a solid platform to go all guns out blazing for the remainder of the match, but not without giving England some chances.

The final session on day three was cut short due to rain. Rahul was joined by skipper Shubman Gill, who was unbeaten on 6*. India ended at 90/2.

England started the second session at 327/5, with Harry Brook (57*) and Jamie Smith (29*) unbeaten. Brook continued his counter-attack, while Smith (40 in 52 balls, with five fours and a six), Chris Woakes (38 in 55 balls, with three fours and two sixes) and Brydon Cwefarse (22 in 23 balls, with four boundaries) also piled up useful scores.

Brook missed out on his century, scoring 99 in 112 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes, with Prasidh Krishna getting him caught by Shardul Thakur at deep backwards square leg. A 55-run stand between Woakes and Carse took England past the 400-run mark, and they threatened to surpass India's first innings total before Jasprit Bumrah came in clutch.

Bumrah (5/83) and Prasidh Krishna (3/128) were the top bowlers as England was bowled out for 465.

England kickstarted the first session of the day at 209/3, with Ollie Pope (100*) and Brook (0*) unbeaten. While Prasidh struck early to remove Pope (106 in 137 balls, with 14 fours), Brook stitched a 51-run stand with skipper Ben Stokes (20 in 52 balls) and a 73-run stand with Smith, taking England well beyond the 300-run mark at session end. A century by Ollie Pope (106 in 137 balls, with 14 fours) and fifty from Ben Duckett (62 in 94 balls, with nine fours) on day two served as valuable contributions as well.

Brief Scores: England: 465 (Ollie Pope 106, Harry Brook 99, Jasprit Bumrah 5/83) vs India: 471 and 298/4: KL Rahul 120*, Rishabh Pant 118, Brydon Carse 2/62).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Pant's innings was pure entertainment! 🇮🇳 That's why we love Test cricket when played this way. His ability to switch gears and put pressure back on bowlers is unmatched. Hope he converts more of those 90s into centuries though! #Pantastic
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Priya M.
Shastri is absolutely right about Pant's cricket brain. People criticize his aggression but forget how he assesses situations. Remember Sydney 2021? That wasn't luck, that was genius. Though I wish he'd be a bit more selective with his shots sometimes.
A
Amit S.
KL Rahul's knock deserves equal praise! While Pant was fireworks, Rahul was the foundation. That's what makes this partnership special - perfect balance of aggression and stability. Team India looking strong 💪
S
Sneha R.
As much as I enjoy Pant's batting, I worry about consistency. He's either scoring big or getting out cheaply. Needs to find middle ground like Kohli did early in his career. But when he fires, what a sight! 😍
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Vikram J.
England must be having nightmares about Pant! First Gabba, now Leeds. This is why we need players like him - changes the complexion of the game in one session. Bumrah's 5-wicket haul was equally crucial though. Complete team performance!
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Neha T.
Pant's keeping still needs work though. Brilliant with the bat but we can't afford dropped catches in crucial matches. Hope he focuses equally on both aspects of his game. That said, what a talent! Future captain material? 🤔

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