IND vs ENG, 4th Test: “Pant more than ready to fill Dhoni’s shoes,” says Rohit Sharma

Rishabh Pant produced an innings from the top draw as he scored a hundred on Day Two to keep the hosts in the driving seat. Reeling at 146 runs for the loss of six wickets, it looked as if the Indians would hand over the first innings lead to England. However, in a stunning knock, Pant scored 101 runs in just 117 balls as the hosts ended the day with the score reading 294 runs for the loss of seven wickets.

Rohit Sharma praised Rishabh Pant for his spectacular knock and stated that as long he is getting the job done for his side, his style of batting does not matter. The left-hander has been criticized of throwing away his wicket during crucial moments of the game. However, Rohit suggested that Pant’s role in team is to give them the spark they need from their middle order.

“We need that spark in the middle and he brings that to us. He is batting in his own style, which is absolutely fine from the team perspective, because he seems to be getting the job done, which is more important,” Rohit Sharma, told the press after the second day.

“In the first half of his innings, he was quite respectful (to bowlers), he was trusting his defence. With people like Pant, you need to back their skills, back their ability… Management completely understands that and he’s been given that freedom which is very, very important,” he added.

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He will give you these kind of knocks every now and then: Rohit Sharma on Pant

Rohit Sharma stated that Rishabh Pant scoring runs consistently was a great sign for the hosts. The opener believes that with a player like Pant in the squad, you are assured to get such occasionally. “It’s a great sign. He’ll flourish, he will give you these kind of knocks every now and then,” Rohit added.

Rohit Sharma was asked another a tricky question as to whether Pant was ready to fill in MS Dhoni’s shoes and replace him as India’s number one in all three formats. Instead of dodging the question, Rohit had a straightforward answer. “He is more than ready I guess. He seems to be doing the job for us,” the opener stated.