Parthiv Patel feels Rishabh Pant has the ability to play as a pure batsman

Parthiv Patel recently stated that Rishabh Pant does have the ability to play as a pure batsman in the upcoming Test at Brisbane. Pant was superb in the 2nd innings of the 3rd Test, amassing 97 runs in just 118 balls. Pant pulled India out of a potential loss against Australia. With a strike rate of 82.2, Pant smashed 12 fours and 3 sixes in his entire innings. Taking on a bowler like Nathan Lyon clearly depicts how high on confidence the Delhi southpaw was. Pant also built up a crucial 148-run partnership with fellow batsman Cheteshwar Pujara.

Citing Pant’s exemplary batting performance, Parthiv felt that it makes complete sense to play Pant as a pure batsman. Moreover, the former wicket-keeper also believes that Wriddhiman Saha should don the gloves for India in the 4th Test. Patel stated that the way Pant carried the Indian team on his shoulders shows that he is ready to play as a pure batsman.

Rishabh Pant should bat at the no 5: Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel stated that Pant would fit in perfectly at the no 5 spots. The 23-year-old came in prior to the loss of the 3rd wicket. The decision to play Pant higher turned out to be quite a fruitful one. Patel reckons that India should stick to what is working for them in such cases. Furthermore, including a left-hander in the lineup will force the opposition to vary their line and length.

At the start of Day 5 of the 3rd Test, everyone felt that Australia would easily win the 3rd Test. When the in-form Indian skipper Akinkya Rahane got dismissed, a loss looked certain for India. Pant got off to a slow start, amassing 7 runs in 36 balls. Prior to this, the Delhi lad assaulted the Australian bowling line-up. Unluckily, he fell just 3 short of a century.

Several cricketing pundits admitted that Pant displayed a very mature performance. Pant gave everyone a glimpse of how good he can be with the ball in the 3rd Test. The 23-year-old will look to take his form in the 4th Test of the 2020 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The final test of the 4 match Test series will take place in Brisbane from 15th January onwards. 

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