“I’m not ready. Sorry Woakes.” That one line from Rishabh Pant said it all. While others were batting by the textbook, Pant was creating moments.
He wasn’t nervous — he was setting the tone. That little “sorry” to Chris Woakes was the talking point of the day. It wasn’t just about cricket. It was about mind games.
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Pant is not playing just another Test match. He’s making this series his stage. He left the ball with respect.
He said sorry. He looked like he wanted to play it safe. And then, without warning — he steps out and smashes it down the ground.
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“He’s scared. The ball was supposed to come in, but he’s leaving it. He wants to play with so much respect. Then they go down the ground. Four of them. This time, no question of respect.”
Not everyone was happy with Pant’s style. Former cricketer Dinesh Karthik spoke strongly during commentary. He said Pant needs to stop thinking only about himself.
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“If I were KL Rahul, I’d tell him — play how you want, but our goal is to build a partnership. It’s not just about you.”
Pant was lucky a few times. He played risky shots. But Rahul was batting well and India needed them both to stay in.
Karthik said Cheteshwar Pujara once told Pant to be careful before lunch and that actually made Pant uncomfortable. He played worse.
So instead of telling Pant what not to do, Karthik said it’s better to just give him basic info — like what the bowler is doing — and let Pant decide how to play.
But still, Karthik said: Pant needs to understand he’s vice-captain. There’s a team behind him. There’s a bigger goal.
Pant’s hundred in the first innings was a big reason why India scored 471. But in the second innings, India needed smart play — not just fireworks. England were bowled out for 465 and the match was still wide open.
Pant could’ve sealed the game. Instead, he left everyone guessing — again. There’s no doubt — Rishabh Pant is the most entertaining player in this series.
One ball, he’s smiling and saying sorry. Next ball, he’s smashing it into the stands. That’s his charm. That’s also the risk.But now he’s the vice-captain.
The crowd loves the drama but the team needs results. Pant’s show is entertaining. Now it’s time to add some substance to it.
