“Save risky shots for IPL” - Farokh Engineer to Rishabh Pant

Team India are currently preparing for the upcoming Manchester Test, which begins on 23 July against England. It’s a must-win game for India, who are trailing the five-match series 1-2 after three Tests.

Ahead of this crucial clash, former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has offered advice to the current star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has been in sensational form with the bat. Pant is the second-highest run-scorer in the series so far, amassing 425 runs in six innings, including two centuries and two fifties.

While Pant’s attacking style has put England under pressure throughout the series, Engineer believes he needs to bring more discipline to his Test game.

“Save those (risky shots) for IPL. Test cricket demands discipline. From a number three or four, you expect them to play proper cricket, get big scores, and build innings. Rishabh has scored centuries in both innings of a Test, which is remarkable. So yes, he could play purely as a batsman, especially with England’s strong bowling lineup, now including Jofra Archer and Atkinson,” Engineer told RevSportz.

Engineer praised Pant’s natural talent and flair, but also stressed the need for maturity during key moments in a match.

“For the runs he’s scored, yes, he can play as a pure batter. But Rishabh is unpredictable. Whatever comes to his mind, he does it. I joked with him about his shot selection, and he just laughed—said he does what feels right in the moment. He has the confidence and has gotten away with it often. But he needs to be more responsible in crucial moments, like right before lunch or at the end of a day’s play. Still, he’s immensely talented. He invents his own shots, and thankfully, helmets allow that now. In our time, we wouldn’t have had any teeth left,” he added.

Pant suffered a blow to his fingers during the third Test at Lord’s, which prevented him from keeping wickets in the second innings, with Dhruv Jurel taking over the gloves. However, Pant still batted in both innings despite being in pain.

As things stand, it remains uncertain whether he will play the fourth Test as a wicketkeeper-batter or pure batter. His role in the XI will likely depend on how well he recovers ahead of the match in Manchester.

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