India vs England 2021: “You can take the odd chance” – Rishabh Pant says he premeditated the reverse-sweep off James Anderson’s bowling

India vs England 2021: “You can take the odd chance” – Rishabh Pant says he premeditated the reverse-sweep off James Anderson’s bowling
Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant headlined the second day for India in the fourth test against England with a century that put the hosts in the driver’s seat. Pant began cautiously when he came in as India were in a spot of bother having lost the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Even as Pant saw his partner Rohit Sharma and subsequently, Ravichandran Ashwin fall, it seemed like India would not even end up with a lead in reply to England’s 205.

However, Pant and Washington Sundar came up with a stupendous 100-run partnership to propel India into the lead. The two cut loose after a slow start and ensured that the tired English bowlers did not get openings to take wickets and put pressure on the hosts. Pant fell after hitting his hundred while Sundar ended the day unbeaten after getting to fifty, in the company of Axar Patel.

Rishabh Pant speaks after the day’s play

Rishabh Pant spoke to broadcasters at the end of the day’s play and was asked about his plans while walking in to bat. He said, “The plan was just to build a partnership when I joined Rohit, that was the only thing on my mind. I was thinking I would assess the pitch and then play my shots. If the bowlers are bowling well respect it and take the singles, and that was on my mind. I like to play the situation and I just see the ball and react – that’s the USP of my game. The team plan was to get to 206, past the England total, and then get as many runs as possible after that.”

Pant was then asked about the outrageous reverse-flick over the slip cordon that he played off James Anderson and he said, “You have to premeditate reverse-flicks, but if luck is going your way you can take the odd chance. I get the license most of the time, but I have to assess the situation and take the game head on. I like to make the team win and if the crowd is entertained by that, I’m happy.”

Also Read: India vs England 2021: Twitter reacts to Rishabh Pant’s stunning century on day 2