Statistical Overview: The Stark Contrast
Test Cricket
RED BALL MASTERODI Cricket
AVERAGE PERFORMERT20I Cricket
STRUGGLINGComparative Analysis
Format Performance Paradox
Despite higher strike rates in white-ball formats, Pant's batting average is significantly lower, highlighting the paradox.
Six-Hitting Dominance in Tests
Surprisingly, Pant hits the most sixes in Tests, showcasing his ability to dominate in the longest format.
IPL Career Trajectory
Pant's IPL performance peaked in 2018 but has declined significantly, mirroring his white-ball struggles.
Iconic Test Innings
The Gabba Miracle
vs Australia, Brisbane
Chasing 328 on Day 5
Historic win, broke 32-year Gabba streak
Birmingham Blitz
vs England, Birmingham
India 98/5 in first innings
Match-turning knock
Sydney Statement
vs Australia, Sydney
First innings consolidation
Series-winning contribution
Cape Town Lone Warrior
vs South Africa, Cape Town
Next highest score was 29
Lone warrior performance
Twin Tons at Leeds
vs England, Leeds
Twin centuries
First Indian with twin tons in England
Expert Analysis
"He's yet to totally understand the white-ball game. Gets out playing shots behind the wicket instead of his strength - down the ground."— Sanjay Bangar, Former India Batting Coach
"Pant crossed the mental barrier in his ODI century vs England by taking time initially, then accelerating."— Pragyan Ojha, Former India Spinner
Technical Breakdown
Test Cricket Aerial Shots
ODI Reality Check
Never dropped past 30-yard circle!
Test Cricket Strengths
- Time to assess conditions
- Can build innings gradually
- Down-the-ground power hitting
- Pressure situation specialist
- Field placements less restrictive
White-Ball Struggles
- Immediate pressure to score
- Restrictive field placements
- Plays behind wicket vs strengths
- Confusion over shot selection
- Higher catching percentage in deep
Unraveling The Mystery
Time Pressure Factor
In Tests, Pant can settle in and assess conditions before attacking. In white-ball cricket, immediate pressure leads to rushed decisions.
Field Placement Restrictions
White-ball fields are more restrictive, especially in middle overs. Test cricket allows more gaps and freedom.
Shot Selection Confusion
Pant tries to play behind the wicket in white-ball formats instead of his strength areas down the ground.
Mental Approach
Different mindset required for each format. Pant's natural aggression works better with time to build.
The Numbers Behind The Mystery
Bridging The Gap
Play to Strengths
Focus on down-the-ground shots - cover drives, straight hits over bowler's head
Patience in White-Ball
Take time to assess conditions even in T20s, then accelerate like his successful ODI century vs England
Technical Adjustments
Avoid reverse sweeps and shots behind wicket, stick to V-region and square of wicket
Role Clarity
Bat higher up the order in T20Is to get more time to settle
The Path Forward
Rishabh Pant's Test cricket success shows he has the skill and temperament to succeed at the highest level. The key to unlocking his white-ball potential lies in adapting his natural game to the constraints and demands of shorter formats, rather than completely changing his approach.
With the right adjustments and mindset, Pant can become as dominant in white-ball cricket as he is in Tests.