Sachin Tendulkar reveals advice for Rishabh Pant on England tour, says important for him to have flexibility in his mind

Legendary Sachin Tendulkar has put his weight behind Rishabh Pant to back his natural game for the most of the series against England. However, at the same time, Tendulkar wants Pant to play according to match situation and be more guile in his shot selection.

The gloveman has an impressive record while playing outside Asia, but he could not deliver as per the expectations in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. Pant scored 255 runs against Australia in five Test matches at an average of 28.33.

Furthermore, Pant’s shot-selection was questioned by many experts, including legendary Sunil Gavaskar during the series.

Sachin Tendulkar said on ESPN Cricinfo, “He (Pant) should back his instincts most of the time. But there’ll be situations where he’ll have to curb his game in the interests of the team. I know that whatever he does the rest of the time will also be in the interest of the team, but the approach might have to be different. He has to have that flexibility in his mind.”

“If there are times when you’re looking to save the game, then he may have to adapt that defensive approach, for let’s say an hour or 45 minutes or sometimes two hours, where he’ll have to just take those risky shots out of the game and not be as aggressive. He could be positive, but the shot selection will come into play”.

The former Indian opener backed Pant to play his natural game and bat accordingly to the interest of the team.

“Nine out of ten times, if I’m the captain, I’ll say, ‘Just go out and play your game, why worry about anything.’ If you’re looking to save the game, that is when the approach changes a bit, but otherwise I would tell him that you go out and be yourself and do what you feel is in the best interest of the team,” Tendulkar said.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.