As the third Test between India and England approaches at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has heaped praise on Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant — calling them the X-factors in India’s dynamic batting lineup.
🌟 Two Key Players, Two Different Styles
India’s batting success in the ongoing series has been heavily influenced by the performances of Gill and Pant:
- Shubman Gill has amassed an astonishing 585 runs, including:
- His maiden Test century in England
- A double century
- A third ton at Edgbaston
He leads India’s run tally in the series.
- Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive, fearless batting, has already scored 342 runs, including two centuries, making him the third-highest run-scorer in the series.
🎙️ Sitanshu Kotak on Pant:
“People often say Pant plays in the moment, but that’s not the full story. He thinks deeply about his decisions, just not during the innings. He prefers silence to stay in the zone.”
Kotak emphasized Pant’s ability to change the game with his bold decisions, even if they sometimes draw criticism. His ability to break the opposition’s momentum makes him a unique asset to the team.
💬 On Shubman Gill’s Evolution:
“His mindset has shifted more than his technique,” Kotak noted. “He now values time at the crease and punishes loose deliveries with precision.”
This marks a strong comeback for Gill, who struggled on the previous Australia tour but has now become a central figure in India’s batting.
🏟️ Lord’s Pitch Report: Green and Testing
Kotak also commented on the pitch conditions at Lord’s, suggesting that it might favor bowlers due to visible grass.
“It’s a greener surface compared to the last two Tests. Historically, the first two innings at Lord’s are low-scoring. Spending time at the crease will be key for batters.”
📌 India vs England 3rd Test – Key Details
- 📍 Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
- 🗓️ Date: Starting Friday, 20 July 2025
- Series: 5-match Test series
🔗 Source:
ICC Cricket – India Batting Coach Hails Two X-Factors
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