Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta said that he would rather see Rishabh Pant getting out than him changing his batting stance. Notably, Pant failed to impress fans and pundits with his bat during the Warm-Up game against Sri Lanka. In the first innings, he could only manage to score 2 runs while chipping in a 68-ball 28 in the second. Nevertheless, clinical performances from others including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, along with last-over heroics from Mohammed Siraj helped the side register a six-wicket win.

However, the real test lies ahead as both sides will lock horns for a two-game Test series starting on August 15. These are must-watch Tests for India in order to keep their World Test Championship Final qualification hopes alive. Considering the importance of the series, it is important for all the players to contribute and play with the best of their effort. Amidst it all, Pant, whose form has taken a recent hit, has been advised to not play defensively.

Rishabh Pant Should Bat the Way he Does: Deep Dasgupta

Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Dasgupta said that Pant should play the way he usually does. He also suggested that the 28-year-old should be given the freedom to attack, which is also his strength. “He should bat exactly the way he usually does. I remember a few matches back where he was overtly defensive. I would rather have him get out going for a six than getting out playing a forceful defence,” Dasgupta said.

“Rishabh should get the freedom to attack, and that's also his strength. Also, Sri Lanka's spinners are predominantly left-arm spinners. So Rishabh being in form and having the right mindset is crucial for India in this series,” the 40-year-old added.

"This word responsibility is a complicated word. The viewers' mindset is also strange: if a batter defends and gets out, that's not irresponsible. But if someone plays a shot and gets out, it becomes irresponsible. The truth is certain batters have defence as their strength, while it's attack for others. But getting out while defending has become acceptable, whereas it's deemed irresponsible or rash if it's an attacking shot," he further asserted.

Notably, this will be the first time Pant will play a Test match in Sri Lanka in his career.