More than banter, India would have Pant for keeping: Sanjay Manjrekar

Uttarakhand-born 21-year-old Rishabh Pant has made an impressive start to his Test career after foraying into the format during India’s match against England at the popular Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Albeit his numbers aren’t bad for a newcomer by any stretch of the imagination, his performances have come under the scanner, both as a batsman and a keeper as well.

He conceded a significant amount of byes during the England tour. Moreover, he has been criticised a few times for getting out to rash strokes. Apart from his cricketing prowess, the pugnacious potential has also be seen engaging in the friendly war of words with the opponents. During the opening Test against Australia in Adelaide, he was constantly in the ears of Pat Cummins.

That is when he has to be careful

In the meantime, the cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has advised Pant to focus more on his keeping rather than engaging in banters, which can divert his concentration. Moreover, the former Indian cricketer also talked about how Pant became silent after he dropped a sharp chance off Hanuma Vihari in the first innings of the ongoing Test at the new Perth Stadium.

“In cricket, there has been a tradition… in all team meetings, the wicketkeeper is told to keep encouraging the bowler. The moment he dropped the catch of Shaun Marsh off Hanuma Vihari, suddenly he went quiet for two-three overs.

That is when he has to be careful. If being quiet is going to help him focus better, then the Indian team would rather have him taking catches than looking to encourage the bowlers all the time or all that banter that goes around,” Manjrekar was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview with Mid Day.

Rishabh Pant recently became the Indian with the most number of catches (11) in a Test match when he accomplished the feat in Adelaide. He could’ve had the world record (12) under his belt had he not dropped Nathan Lyon.

Aftab Alam interview:

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