1st Test: Did Tendulkar Praise the Mind Games by Pant and Gill?
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Synopsis
In an intriguing display of strategy, Sachin Tendulkar highlights the clever tactics employed by Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill during their remarkable partnership in the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Their mind games against English bowlers not only showcased their skills but also illustrated the psychological aspects of cricket that can influence the outcome of a match.
Key Takeaways
- Tendulkar highlights the importance of mental strategy in cricket.
- Pant's performance exemplifies the impact of psychological tactics.
- Effective communication can disrupt the opponent's rhythm.
- The falling paddle sweep is a testament to Pant's innovative batting technique.
- Criticism and pressure do not define a player's potential.
Leeds, June 21 (NationPress) Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar took to social media to draw attention to the mind games that Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill employed against the English bowlers during their impressive 209-run partnership for the fourth wicket in the inaugural Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Beginning Day 2 on 65 not out, Pant showcased remarkable maturity and composure in the early stages. He withstood the initial pressure from the English bowlers before unleashing his signature aggressive strokes.
Pant reached his century with a spectacular six off Shoaib Bashir and celebrated with his iconic somersault. He contributed a vital 134 runs before being caught out by Josh Tongue. “Rishabh’s celebration is as entertaining as his batting! Kudos, Rishabh,” tweeted Tendulkar.
Tendulkar also emphasized how Pant's ingenious falling paddle sweep benefited him and mentioned that conversing in Hindi allowed the batters to engage in mind games with the bowlers.
“Rishabh's falling paddle sweep is not a coincidence. It is deliberate and incredibly clever. By going down with the shot, he can get under the ball and guide it over the leg slip with precision.
“I also observed something intriguing during Bashir’s spell. Shubman and Rishabh were conversing loudly in Hindi between deliveries. This was not merely casual chatter. They were strategically disrupting the bowler's rhythm. These subtle details might not show on the scoreboard, but they can significantly influence the match,” added Tendulkar.
Pant signed with the Lucknow Super Giants for a staggering INR 27 crore ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League, following a challenging phase during India’s 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he didn’t meet the expectations set for a player of his price in the lucrative league. He faced heavy criticism, but former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta took to social media to reiterate the message: ‘I told you so’ regarding Pant.
“I understand everyone dislikes hearing 'I told you so,' but this is precisely why I insisted that IPL performance would not influence what Rishabh #Pant achieves in England. He is always the X factor, a genuine match-winner in this format. And now, he is the Indian keeper with the most centuries!” Dasgupta tweeted.
Point of View
I believe that the mental aspect of cricket is often overlooked. The ability of players like Pant and Gill to engage in mind games demonstrates their understanding of the game at a deeper level. This adds an exciting layer to cricket, where strategy and psychology play as crucial a role as physical skill. We must appreciate these nuances as they contribute to the essence of sport.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What mind games did Pant and Gill play?
Pant and Gill engaged in conversations in Hindi to disrupt the English bowlers' rhythm, showcasing their strategic approach to the game.
How did Pant perform in the first Test?
Rishabh Pant scored a significant 134 runs and celebrated his century with a distinctive somersault.
What was Tendulkar's view on Pant's batting technique?
Tendulkar praised Pant's falling paddle sweep as intentional and clever, highlighting its effectiveness in his batting strategy.
What did Dasgupta say about Pant's IPL performance?
Deep Dasgupta emphasized that IPL form would not dictate Pant's performance in England, reinforcing his status as a match-winner.
Why are mind games important in cricket?
Mind games can disrupt a bowler's focus, creating an advantage for batters and influencing the overall outcome of a match.
