Sanjay Bangar explains the dressing room's reaction to Rishabh Pant's six

The Indian team, after being 0-2 down, started well in the third Test as the batsmen showed remarkable improvement in their technique. While the openers were excellent up front, the middle-order carried on their good work. However, by the end of the day’s play, Rishabh Pant’s fearless batting was the talk of the town as he got off the mark in Test cricket with a six only off the second ball of his innings.

Dinesh Karthik‘s continuous failures in the first couple of Test matches led to the visitors handing a debut to the 20-year-old Rishabh Pant. He became the 291st Test player for India after captain Virat Kohli handed him his debut cap before the start of the match. It took just two deliveries for Pant to justify his selection as the Delhi player smacked a huge maximum down the ground to open his account in the longest format.

Surprise for everyone

Sanjay Bangar admitted that the team management was surprised to see Rishabh Pant starting his Test career with a six. He came dancing down the track to whack Adil Rashid straight down the ground. He also remained unbeaten on 22 at stumps and will be key for the visitors on the second morning.

Speaking at the end of day’s play, India’s batting coach said the team was taken aback by Pant’s six before praising the youngster for his confidence. “We were all very surprised, but he is a confident cricketer. He has come through the ranks. He has played Ranji trophy, graduated in the India A format, so his has been a gradual rise.” Bangar said.

The 45-year-old also went on to say that 350 will be a good total on a slow pitch in the first innings and was confident India getting to that score with ease. Ravi Ashwin will join Pant on the second day and the duo will look to take the score forward.

“Well, there is no clear sort of direction to him. It is just that he plays his natural game. Ashwin has been consistent in the lower order. We also have lower order batsmen who can stick around. If we can add another 50 runs from here it will be a good first innings total after being put into bat.” Bangar added.

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