Rishabh Pant must spend more time in the middle and not just look to hit every ball: Kapil Dev

Former World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev is one of the most respected players in India and across cricket-playing countries. The former allrounder’s views are widely respected by young cricketers and the public alike. He is often seen discussing cricket with various other experts on TV and social media. Kapil is famous for his straightforward and no-nonsense approach, which is effective in more ways than one.

Recently, the 61-year-old shared his views on dashing wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant who is currently in form of his life after starring in India’s Test series victories against Australia and England. The maverick batter first played an outrageous knock of unbeaten 89 in Brisbane and then scored a blistering 100 to make the wicketkeeping spot his own.

Kapil Dev, however,  feels that Pant needs to slow down a bit and should mix caution with aggression on India’s tour to England, as that will help him bat for a longer duration of time. He also compared him with Rohit Sharma on their similar batting styles.

He looks a very mature cricketer now: Kapil Dev

“He looks a very mature cricketer now from the time he came into the side. He seems to have far more time to play his shots and obviously his range of strokes is awesome. But England will be challenging. He must spend more time in the middle and not just look to hit every ball. We used to say the same about Rohit Sharma, who had so many shots, but would step out and get out so many times,” Kapil Dev was quoted as saying by Mid Day.

Kapil also added that Pant is India’s match-winner and he should be more focused on getting his eye in before launching onto bowlers with his attacking stroke-play.

“Same is with Rishabh now. He is an exciting player and very valuable too. All I would tell him is take time before unfolding his range of shots. England is different.”

Kapil also stated that he loves the purest format and always looks forward to watching red-ball cricket more than the other two formats.

“Of course. I am a big fan of Test cricket. I love watching the full day’s play. If work keeps me away from the TV, I catch up with the highlights. I always watch as much as I can. There is nothing like Test cricket.”