Pant is never disrespectful as such
Former India umpire Anil Chaudhary came to the defense of Rishabh Pant following his reprimand during the first Test against England, where India suffered a five-wicket defeat at Headingley, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Pant found himself in hot water during the first Test when he was reprimanded for showing dissent by throwing the ball to the ground in front of the umpire. This incident occurred on the third day of the match after the officials refused to change the ball.
Anil Chaudhary, speaking on a Podcast with The Indian Express, explained the situation, saying, “When we are officiating as umpires, players come to us for ball checks and to change the ball. Sometimes it happens that the same player comes twice in two overs, then the umpire feels bad. Maybe the umpires felt Pant was not right. They reported it. The referee reprimanded him which is like giving a warning. The demerit point got added and that will stay. How it happened with Digvesh in the IPL. If it gets to a certain number Pant may have to sit out for a game. Rishabh is not like this and plays with maturity. Maybe it happened in the heat of the moment. Pant is never disrespectful as such. He has become more mature now.”
Pant was also handed a demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Chaudhary further praised Pant’s passion and compared him to former opener Virender Sehwag, saying, “Pant is very passionate. When you are mad behind something you are like this. Pant’s batting style reflects it. Pant is Virender Sehwag category type of player. They will tell whatever is in their mind and will not keep anything inside.”
Despite India’s loss in the first Test, Pant had a stellar performance with the bat, scoring twin centuries in both innings. In the first innings, Pant made 134 runs off 178 balls, while in the second innings, he scored 118 runs off 140 balls.
As India gears up for the second Test at Edgbaston, Pant will be expected to maintain his form and replicate his Headingley heroics. The visitors will be looking to bounce back and level the series, with Pant playing a crucial role in their batting lineup.
The second Test between England and India is set to commence on Wednesday, July 2, at Edgbaston, Birmingham. With Pant’s exceptional performance in the previous Test, all eyes will be on the dynamic wicket-keeper batter as India aims to turn the tide in their favor.
