Rishabh Pant got runs when it mattered and that’s important, says bowling coach Paras Mhambrey

Rishabh Pant faced criticism for his poor shot selection in his previous innings but came up with a stunning knock on Thursday. 

Extremely pleased with the way Rishabh Pant batted in India’s second innings, teams’ bowling coach Paras Mhambrey on Thursday (January 13) said the stumper-batter got the runs when the team needed them the most. Pant produced a combative unbeaten hundred in face some hostile bowling by the home bowlers in difficult conditions. India set Proteas a 212-run target, thanks to Pant’s fearless approach.

“It was a fabulous innings that really got us back in the game. From a personal perspective there is pressure on him (Pant), obviously in a couple of innings didn’t get runs but getting runs at a crucial stage for the team, that is important,” Mhambrey said after the end of third day’s play.

Pant faced criticism for his poor shot selection in his previous innings but came up with a stunning knock on Thursday. “And it really set the game (up) nicely for us and I think really happy with the way he played. It wasn’t an easy wicket to bat on but (he) showed a lot of character out there, really pleased,” Mhambrey said.