'He has got to go and play the way he knows to bat'

Former India batter WV Raman said Rishabh Pant must be allowed to bat aggressively in Test cricket rather than being asked to adopt a conventional defensive approach. Raman argued that Pant's trained reflexes are faster than any instruction to play within himself, and forcing him into a defensive mindset would create conflict.

Pant averages 43.37 in red-ball cricket and has won Test matches abroad from difficult situations through his attacking style. Raman said Pant deserves the licence to play his natural game because that is when he performs at his best.

Pant made 2 and 28 in India's warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Galle. Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan have both pushed for greater opportunities in the wicketkeeper-batter role.