Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey in the pre-match press conference has clearly stated that Rishabh Pant is not getting any special discussions upon his preparation.
Mhambrey said that it is Pant’s natural game and he prepares similarly in both Tests and limited-overs cricket.
In the nets, Pant was seen batting rather energetically in preparation for the Test series against Bangladesh starting tomorrow.
Pant has five Test hundreds and 10 half-centuries in 31 matches in England, Australia, and South Africa.
Mhambrey’s take on Pant’s preparation
We are not having any special discussion with Rishabh. That’s his game and we know that. Nothing changes, that’s the way he prepares for any format, white ball and he is pretty much aware about his role in the team.
Adds Mhambrey,
Our conversations are never around the way he is playing as he knows what the team expects out of him.
However Mhambrey did not disclose whether India will go in with a third pacer or spinner in the first Test, he however was happy to say that Umesh Yadav will spearhead the bowling attack.
Mhambrey on Umesh Yadav as part of India’s Test team
Umesh is a very experienced bowler. We all know what Umesh brings to the table. Unfortunately, he hasn’t got too many opportunities as we had Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammad Siraj playing in England.
Adding further, Mhambrey says,
The team management has spoken to him and had discussions and we have lot of clarity as far as Umesh is concerned. The other way I look at it is that he will spearhead the attack and he has lot of experience going into the series. I am also happy how Siraj has progressed in Tests and happy that he has delivered.
Mhambrey also brought to light that the services of Shami and Bumrah will be missed in this series.
Furthermore, he also commented that the transition from white-ball to red-ball cricket will be a big adjustment for India.
Mhambrey’s thoughts on the Test cricket transition for India
We are playing Test cricket after long time, takes a little while to have that mental change. You have just come from the T20 World Cup in Australia and now it is a different format.
Concluding, Mhambrey said,
One good thing is lot of these guys are playing matches. Siraj (ODIs), Umesh (India A) played a lot of cricket. Even Navdeep Saini has played a lot as far as A series is concerned.
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