‘We are not having any special discussions with Rishabh Pant ’ - Paras Mhambrey ahead of India’s first Test against Bangladesh

India’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey on a day before commencement of Bangladesh Tests revealed that the Indian team management didn’t hold any meeting with Rishabh Pant to discuss his form or approach in Test cricket. Pant, who looked sluggish in the white-ball format in recent times, will be eager to prove a point and as per Mhambrey, the think tank will definitely not advise Pant anything before India’s first Test against Bangladesh at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium at Chattogram.

While talking about Pant, the 50-year-old mentioned that the stumper-batter is very much aware of his role and what the team expects from him. Playing in 31 Test matches so far, the southpaw has scored 2123 runs at an average of 43.32 and would look to improve his figures against a relatively weak bowling line-up of the Bangla Tigers.

“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. Our conversations are never around the way he is playing as he knows what the team expects out of him,” Mhambrey said ahead of the first Test on December 14.

Bumrah and Shami will be missed but we look at it as others getting an opportunity: Mhambrey

Even though two of India’s premier pacers in form of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will be missing the series, Mhambrey believes that it eventually will open up opportunities for others to shine and cement their position. The former cricketer also lauded Umesh Yadav, who’s likely to play as a third seamer in the playing XI.

“Bumrah and Shami will be missed but we look at it as others getting an opportunity to play Test cricket and perform for the country,” the 50-year-old 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,” he added.