'Important to disturb the bowlers in these conditions' - Rishabh Pant after sensational century at Edgbaston

The Indian team were put in to bat first in the Edgbaston Test by Ben Stokes, who was beaming after an emphatic series victory against New Zealand. The early pressure by the English bowlers showed on a rainy day when India were reeling after losing half the side for the score of 98 on the board. But India were once again rescued by Rishabh Pant, who brought his own style to the game with a punishing century. The southpaw revealed his thought process at the crease after the end of the day’s play.

Pant joined hands with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja at the crease and stitched a mammoth 222-run stand for the sixth wicket to take India from the perils of the first session to the comfort of 338 runs on the board. While Jadeja was more watchful and circumspect in the partnership, Pant played his natural game and rendered the English bowlers useless with his inexplicable shot-making.

When asked about his attacking intent on the pitch against a moving Dukes ball, the wicketkeeper-batter stated that it is difficult to bat in these conditions, so he tried to move around the crease as much as possible to disturb the bowlers.

“In a condition like England, if you know that the bowler is bowling at the same spot and troubling the batsman, I feel that it is very important to disturb him. What I try out there is not to play the same type of cricket, sometimes stepping out of the crease and sometimes going to my backfoot. I keep on using the crease well, I try to give a little effort from my side and things happen,” Pant spoke about attacking James Anderson in the press after the end of play on day one.

‘I look to give my 100 percent’: Rishabh Pant after his belligerent 146

The 24-year-old’s ultra-aggressive approach has been often criticized by some experts but he backs his abilities and always gives his 100 percent to the team’s cause. His partnership with Jadeja has ensured that Indian bowlers will have a fighting total to bowl at when the hosts come to bat.

“As a player, I look to give my 100 percent. Yes, I might play some different shots at some time but I try to play my percentage so I feel if it is there for me to hit the ball or try a different shot I tend to hit it,” he added.