Pant and Washington Sundar (60 not out) featured in a stand of 113 for the seventh wicket as India fought back from 146 for 6. In the past, Pant has been criticized for getting out to soft strokes. However, of late, he has raised his game really well.
Speaking at post-match virtual press conference, Rohit said about Pant, “People like Pant, you need to back their skills, back their ability and management understands that and he has been given the freedom as well which is very important from my perspective as I completely understand from a batsman’s point of view.
“When you have a captain and coach backing you, how important a feeling is that to have as a player. Pant seems to have that now. He will give you knocks like this every now and then but I don’t want anyone to make opinions about how he got out playing bad shots,” Rohit Sharma added.
Pant’s 101 included 13 fours and 2 sixes, the second of which saw the wicketkeeper-batsman reaching three figures. Rohit explained that the way he bats, there are chances of him failing sometimes. But, he reiterated that Pant has the backing of the team management for he invariably does a good job out in the middle.
“Pant has his own style of batting. Obviously, there have been messages, as to how he needs to approach his innings. He seems to be batting in his own style which is great from our perspective as well because he seems to be getting the job done, which is more important,” added Rohit.
India ended Day 2 with Sundar unbeaten on 60 and Axar Patel unbeaten on 11. With three wickets in the bag, their target on Saturday will be to extend the lead, which is presently 89, as much as possible. England, on the other hand, would want to clinch the three wickets as soon as possible and restrict the lead.
--By A Cricket Correspondent