Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain, has carved a unique niche in Test cricket with his audacious strokeplay and fearless approach. Known for his ability to shift the momentum of a game, Pant’s batting style defies conventional norms, blending aggression with calculated risk-taking. However, a recent revelation from India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has shed light on a lesser-known aspect of Pant’s game: his aversion to receiving instructions while batting. This insight, shared ahead of the third Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Lord’s on July 8, 2025, offers a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of one of cricket’s most enigmatic talents.
The Context: Pant’s Stellar Performances
Pant’s meteoric rise in Test cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. During the ongoing series against England, he has been a standout performer, smashing twin centuries in the first Test at Headingley and contributing a brisk 65 off 58 balls in the second Test at Edgbaston. His ability to dominate attacks, as seen in his 134 and 118 at Leeds, has earned him accolades and a No. 6 ranking among Test batters. His knock of 73 in the first session during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney remains a testament to his game-changing potential.
Yet, Pant’s approach is not merely about flair. As Kotak revealed, the 27-year-old southpaw is a deep thinker who meticulously plans his innings. “Rishabh actually talks a lot about what he does, when he does [it], why he does [it],” Kotak said, dispelling the notion that Pant’s batting is purely instinctive. Off the field, Pant engages in detailed discussions about his game and other batters, showcasing his analytical side.
Why Pant Dislikes Instructions While Batting
Kotak’s revelation about Pant’s dislike for instructions while batting has sparked intrigue among fans and analysts. According to the batting coach, Pant believes that silence at the crease helps him maintain focus and avoid poor decision-making. This preference stems from Pant’s desire to execute his own plans, which he formulates based on the match situation and his assessment of the opposition.
“Pant is someone who doesn’t like talking too much during his innings because he feels that it can lead to distractions,” Kotak explained. This approach allows Pant to stay in his zone, where he can switch seamlessly between aggression and defense. For instance, during the Headingley Test, Pant’s first-innings 134 off 178 balls included six sixes and 12 fours, while his second-innings 118 showcased a more measured approach.
Kotak emphasized that Pant’s reluctance to engage in mid-innings conversations does not reflect arrogance but rather a commitment to his process. “He decides how to play and then he goes for it,” Kotak noted, highlighting Pant’s ability to adapt his game without external input. This self-reliance has been a hallmark of Pant’s success, enabling him to thrive in high-pressure situations.
The Psychology Behind Pant’s Approach
Pant’s aversion to instructions aligns with his broader batting philosophy, which prioritizes instinct and adaptability. Former India cricketer Sarandeep Singh, who coaches Pant at Delhi, praised the wicketkeeper’s “strong resolve and belief in his abilities.” Singh noted that Pant’s fearless strokeplay is underpinned by a clear understanding of his role, whether it’s breaking the opposition’s momentum or anchoring the innings.
Sports psychologists suggest that Pant’s preference for silence at the crease may reflect a need for cognitive clarity. By minimizing external inputs, Pant can focus on reading the bowler’s intentions and executing his shots with precision. This approach contrasts with his chatty demeanor behind the stumps, where he is known for his witty exchanges and vocal presence.
Kotak’s insights also debunk the myth that Pant is an “in-the-moment” player who relies solely on flair. “You are saying that about Rishabh now, every team will have some aggressive players who are very good at breaking the opposition’s momentum,” Kotak said, comparing Pant to other game-changers like Yashasvi Jaiswal. Pant’s ability to toggle between attacking and defensive modes, as seen in his partnerships with Shubman Gill, underscores his tactical acumen.
Pant’s On-Field Persona: A Study in Contrasts
While Pant shuns instructions while batting, his on-field persona is anything but reserved. His exchanges with England’s Harry Brook during the Edgbaston Test, where he complained about time-wasting tactics, showcased his fiery side. Similarly, his light-hearted banter with Brook about the fastest Test century record—“I’m not greedy for records,” Pant quipped—highlighted his confidence and wit.
These incidents reflect Pant’s ability to balance intensity with humor, a trait that endears him to fans. His cartwheel celebration after scoring a century at Headingley, despite drawing a caution from Ravichandran Ashwin, further cemented his reputation as a showman. Yet, beneath the theatrics lies a player who is deeply committed to his craft, as evidenced by his milestone of 150 Test catches and eight centuries as a wicketkeeper-batter.
The Role of Coaching in Pant’s Development
Kotak’s comments also raise questions about the role of coaching in shaping a player like Pant. While head coach Gautam Gambhir has faced scrutiny over alleged tensions with Pant, Kotak’s praise for the vice-captain suggests a supportive environment. Gambhir himself dismissed rumors of discord, emphasizing Pant’s importance to the team.
Kotak’s approach appears to be one of facilitation rather than imposition. By allowing Pant to chart his own course, Kotak fosters an environment where the batter can express himself freely. This hands-off approach contrasts with traditional coaching methods, which often emphasize structured guidance. However, for a player like Pant, whose game thrives on autonomy, this strategy seems to be paying dividends.
Pant’s Impact on Indian Cricket
Pant’s influence extends beyond his individual performances. As vice-captain, he has emerged as a leader alongside Shubman Gill, guiding India through a transitional phase following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. His partnerships with Gill, including a record-breaking stand at Edgbaston, have signaled a new era for Indian batting.
Moreover, Pant’s success has inspired a generation of young cricketers to embrace risk-taking in red-ball cricket. Kotak noted that modern batters, honed by white-ball formats, possess the skills to convert opportunities into boundaries, a trait Pant exemplifies. His ability to dominate attacks, as seen in his 63 off 58 balls at Edgbaston, has made him a role model for aspiring players.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite his heroics, Pant is not immune to criticism. His dismissal for 25 off 42 balls in the second Test drew flak from fans, who felt he gifted his wicket away. Additionally, his on-field conduct, including dissent toward umpires at Headingley, has attracted scrutiny, resulting in a demerit point from the ICC.
These incidents highlight the fine line Pant treads between brilliance and recklessness. While his aggressive style is his greatest asset, it can also lead to lapses in judgment. Kotak’s revelation about Pant’s dislike for instructions suggests that the batter’s self-reliance, while a strength, may occasionally limit his ability to adapt to external feedback.
Looking Ahead: The Lord’s Test and Beyond
As India prepares for the third Test at Lord’s, Pant’s role will be crucial. With the series poised delicately, his ability to break England’s momentum could prove decisive. Kotak’s confidence in Pant’s planning and adaptability bodes well for India, who are buoyed by their historic win at Edgbaston.
Pant’s journey, from a prodigious talent at the 2016 U-19 World Cup to a Test match-winner, is a testament to his resilience and skill. His aversion to instructions, while unconventional, reflects a deep trust in his instincts—a quality that has made him India’s X-factor. As Kotak aptly put it, “No advice might be the best advice if you’re batting with Rishabh Pant.”
In a sport where strategy and spontaneity often collide, Pant’s ability to marry the two has set him apart. Whether he’s silencing critics with a whirlwind knock or outwitting bowlers with his game plan, Pant remains a force to be reckoned with. As India navigates the challenges of English conditions, all eyes will be on their vice-captain to deliver another masterclass in fearless cricket.
