Indian opener KL Rahul lauded vice-captain Rishabh Pant for his fearless and dynamic approach to batting, admitting that he dreams of emulating Pant’s audacious strokeplay someday. The remarks came after the duo stitched together a crucial 141-run stand on Day 3 of the third Test against England at Lord’s.
Rahul, known for his calm and technically refined game, formed a formidable partnership with Pant, whose aggressive and instinctive style once again took centre stage. Despite their vastly different approaches, Rahul expressed deep appreciation for the synergy they share at the crease.
“I enjoy batting with him. When he’s at the other end, I watch him and dream of playing with that mindset and freedom. But it’s always just been a dream,” Rahul said during the post-day press conference.
The experienced batter recalled their rehabilitation period together at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in 2023 and revealed how it gave him a deeper understanding of Pant’s thought process. Contrary to perception, Pant’s flamboyance is backed by a methodical and calculated mindset.
“People think he plays random shots, but there’s a lot of thought behind his batting. He’s a deep thinker of the game, and that’s something I came to appreciate more during our time together at the NCA,” Rahul shared.
Their impressive stand ended in heartbreak just before lunch when Pant was run out for 74 (112) due to a sharp piece of fielding by England captain Ben Stokes. Moments later, Rahul was dismissed for 100 (177) after edging a flighted delivery from Shoaib Bashir.
Despite their dismissals, the duo’s partnership helped India post a competitive 387 — matching England’s first-innings total. The day ended with England at 2/0, setting up a thrilling contest heading into Day 4.
Their camaraderie both on and off the field was evident, with Rahul acknowledging that while their cricketing styles may differ, their shared passion for the game binds them. “We’re great friends off the field too. There are few things in common, but our love for cricket and batting in tough situations is certainly one of them,” Rahul said.
