"Respect the First Half-Hour": Sunil Gavaskar’s Key Advice to Rishabh Pant for Boxing Day Test

So far, Rishabh Pant has not shown much in the Bordеr-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 but Indian fans would be waiting to seе him get back into form on the explosive wicket-keeping batman during the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Till date, the 27-year-old has amassеd 96 runs in five innings so far with an average of 19.20 in the first three Tests.

Pant is known for his aggressive batting style, and this often takes the game to the bowlers within the first half-hour. Sometimes, though, this style has come back to haunt him. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar counselled Pant to be a little more cautious, at least in the first half-hour of his innings, before attempting any flashy shots.

"What Rishabh Pant needs to do, like every batter, is respect the first half hour. Take some time to settle in, no matter the situation, unless India is in a commanding position, like 525 for 3. Then, he can go for the big shots," Gavaskar shared with Star Sports.

Gavaskar also underlined the challenges Australian bowlers could pose to Pant, particularly the deliveries that are angling across his body.

"They get the ball to angle across. Pat Cummins and even (Josh) Hazlewood give him a little bit of a problem; Scott Boland will give him a little bit of a problem because Boland bowls around that area as well," Gavaskar added.

Hayden Encourages Pant to Take Bold Risks in Upcoming Matches

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also reacted to Pant's strategy and expressed his admiration for the batter. He further advised Pant to be as bold as possible when dealing with the Australian bowlers.

"I have always been a fan of his. He's kind of a different cheese; there is no doubt about it. And I would like to just see him explore that as well because he should be coming in a situation where, as I mentioned before, there are lots of runs; and if so, that's a perfect scenario for him to be (in)," Hayden said.

"But it's also the perfect scenario for Team India. A little bit like Rohit Sharma, I think we haven't seen some counter-punching efforts from Rishabh, but he should have no fear in these conditions. I think in the absence of fear comes a great opportunity for Rishabh and Team India," Hayden added.

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