WHY RISHABH PANT MUST BAT AT NUMBER 5 IN TESTs
Cricket Today|September 2024
Rishabh Pant's track record at number 5 in Test cricket is nothing short of exceptional. In his 8 matches and 10 innings at this position, Pant has scored 721 runs, including 1 century and 6 fifties, with an impressive average of 80.11...
WHY RISHABH PANT MUST BAT AT NUMBER 5 IN TESTs

As India prepares for their Test series against Bangladesh this September, one of the critical decisions revolves around Rishabh Pant's batting position. With the team under new leadership, the debate about where Pant should bat has intensified. Given his remarkable performances and the unique qualities he brings to the middle order, the number 5 position stands out as his ideal spot. Pant's journey as a middle-order batsman has been defined by his explosive batting and crucial innings, with his role at number 5 proving particularly successful. His historical impact, including his match-winning innings at the Gabba during the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, showcases his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. As India looks to build a formidable team for the series, establishing Pant as a mainstay at number 5 could be the key to unlocking their full potential.

1. PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Rishabh Pant's track record at number 5 in Test cricket is nothing short of exceptional. In his 8 matches and 10 innings at this position, Pant has scored 721 runs, including 1 century and 6 fifties, with an impressive average of 80.11. These statistics highlight his remarkable consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. His performances at number 5 have been crucial in stabilizing the innings and accelerating the scoring rate when required. Pant's role in the middle order has proven vital for India, providing the team with the necessary balance and resilience. His ability to handle the pressures of this key position underscores his importance to the team's strategy and overall performance. Pant's numbers at number 5 not only reflect his talent but also his capacity to contribute significantly to India's success in Test matches.

2. BALANCING THE MIDDLE ORDER

This story is from the September 2024 edition of Cricket Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2024 edition of Cricket Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CRICKET TODAYView All
Is Sarfaraz Khan A Flash In The Pan?
Cricket Today

Is Sarfaraz Khan A Flash In The Pan?

Sarfaraz's international performance has been inconsistent and underwhelming. His recent outings have left many questioning whether he's truly ready for the pressures of the highest level or if his success in domestic cricket is simply a flash in the pan.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
5 Players Who Don't Deserve A Spot In The Indian Test Team
Cricket Today

5 Players Who Don't Deserve A Spot In The Indian Test Team

Virat Kohli, once the backbone of India's batting lineup, is struggling to find his footing. The once-reliable batsman and former captain is now far from his peak, with his recent performances suggesting he may be holding India back. Kohli's record in 2024 has been underwhelming...

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma: Are They Still The Best? It's Time For A Rethink
Cricket Today

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma: Are They Still The Best? It's Time For A Rethink

The time has come. You probably know their names. You probably also know the countless number of games they have won for their country at the back of their audacious skills with the bat. But now, as seen in recent times, you also know...

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
J.T. POSTON WINS THIRD CAREER PGA TOUR TITLE
Cricket Today

J.T. POSTON WINS THIRD CAREER PGA TOUR TITLE

He made three birdies in a four-hole stretch on the back nine of the final round and led by four shots with three holes to play. Poston still had to sweat it out to the very last putt...

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA LIVED UP TO ALL THE HYPE AS AN NBA ROOKIE. IN YEAR 2, THE SPURS STAR WANTS MORE
Cricket Today

VICTOR WEMBANYAMA LIVED UP TO ALL THE HYPE AS AN NBA ROOKIE. IN YEAR 2, THE SPURS STAR WANTS MORE

If San Antonio is going to get back into the playoff mix this season, Wembanyama will have to be one of the biggest reasons why. Still officially listed at 7-foot-3 by the he looks at least Spurs a couple of inches taller, though he says he hasn't grown...

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
MESSI MANIA HELPS DRIVE RECORD GROWTH FOR MLS
Cricket Today

MESSI MANIA HELPS DRIVE RECORD GROWTH FOR MLS

Two matches exceeded 70,000 fans and five matches exceeded 50,000. In an April match at Arrowhead Stadium, there were 72,610 on hand to watch Lionel Messi and Inter Miami play Sporting Kansas City...

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
FROM COACH CAL AT ARKANSAS TO ALABAMA'S TITLE PURSUIT.STORYLINES ABOUND IN SEC FILLED WITH TALENT "
Cricket Today

FROM COACH CAL AT ARKANSAS TO ALABAMA'S TITLE PURSUIT.STORYLINES ABOUND IN SEC FILLED WITH TALENT "

Arkansas is No. 16 despite Calipari having to rebuild the entire roster. Kentucky is at No. 23 under Mark Pope, who played for the Wildcats in the 1990s before leaving BYU after last season for what was always his dream job...

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
NEW ZEALAND WINS CRICKET'S WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP FOR FIRST TIME
Cricket Today

NEW ZEALAND WINS CRICKET'S WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP FOR FIRST TIME

The White Ferns added to their one-day title at the 2000 Cricket World Cup and became the first New Zealand team to win a T20 World Cup, with the men's team - the Black Caps - yet to achieve this feat...

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
NEW ZEALAND WHITE FERNS SPLIT US$2.3 MILLION AFTER WINNING T20 WORLD CUP
Cricket Today

NEW ZEALAND WHITE FERNS SPLIT US$2.3 MILLION AFTER WINNING T20 WORLD CUP

New Zealand's first-ever victory in the World Cup of cricket's shortest format was a massive surprise. The White Ferns had lost 10 consecutive T20 matches before beating South Africa in a warm-up match. That pre-tournament...

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
DAVID WARNER'S LEADERSHIP BAN ENDS
Cricket Today

DAVID WARNER'S LEADERSHIP BAN ENDS

Warner received a penalty for his role in the 2018 sandpaper scandal in South Africa, on top of a one-year ban from cricket, which was also imposed on Steve Smith, with a lesser playing suspension given to Cameron Bancroft.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024