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As India gears up for the pivotal third Test at Lord’s, Rishabh Pant has offered insights into his mindset and preparation, particularly ahead of a much-anticipated face-off with returning England pacer Jofra Archer. Pant, who has played a key role for India in the series so far, stressed the importance of mental discipline at the crease. A firm believer in self-talk, the wicketkeeper-batter revealed how this method has stayed with him since his early cricketing days. “Generally the idea is to keep talking to yourself as a batsman,” Pant told reporters. “For me as a batsman, I think I’m doing the same thing that I used to do as a kid. Keep telling myself. Because my coach used to tell me, keep talking to you. For me, it was late Tarak Sinha Sir who taught me things. I still try to do the same thing always.” With Jofra Archer set to return to England’s Test XI after a prolonged injury layoff, Pant welcomed the challenge , but stessed that his own approach won’t change.
“Personally, whenever I step on the field, I always enjoy my cricket and try to give my 200%,” Pant said. “Not particularly about any individual. Just being on the field, yes, it’s going to be a good contest always because he’s also coming back after a long break. I’m happy he’s back.” Pant also spoke about India’s team combination, noting that the call between a three- or four-pronged pace attack will hinge on final pitch conditions.
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“For me personally, I try to have a very clear mindset when I’m batting. Just playing one ball at a time, that is something which has really helped me,” he said.A win for Inida at Lord’s will see the visitors take a 2-1 lead into the series heading into the penultimate Test.
