'It is not accidental' - Sachin Tendulkar finds technique in Rishabh Pant's falling paddle sweep

Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar was awestruck by the batting brilliance put on display by India's Rishabh Pant in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. Pant, who has the knack of scoring a lot of runs through sweeps and ramps, often ends up being off balance down on the ground in the execution of the uncanny yet impactful shot. Tendulkar, however, believes that Pant does not fall on the ground accidentally, but is a clever execution of a technique only he can pull off.

The cricketing icon, who is currently enjoying the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, was quick to notice key tactical changes by the Indian batters, and shared his analysis on the technique Rishabh Pant follows to play the paddle sweep in his own unique fashion. The Mumbai-born believes that falling on the ground helps Pant get under the ball and scoop it to perfection even when a leg-slip is stationed by the opposition bowler.

"Rishabh's falling paddle sweep is not accidental. It is intentional and extremely clever. Going down with the shot allows him to get under the ball and scoop it over leg slip with control," Tendulkar wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) after Pant departed for 134 off just 178 balls in an entertaining knock studded with 12 fours and six maximums.

The 51-year-old was also praiseworthy towards the captain-vice captain duo, who deliberately conversed Hindi loudly as spinner Shoaib Bashir bowled. Bashir understands the language and according to Tendulkar, it was a deliberate way of disturbing his momentum by the Gill and Pant.

"Also noticed something interesting during Bashir’s spell. Shubman and Rishabh were speaking loudly in Hindi between deliveries. It wasn’t just casual talk. They were playing mind games with the bowler, trying to disrupt his rhythm. These minor details may not appear on the scoreboard, but they can have a significant impact on the game," he added in the same post.

Check Sachin Tendulkar's X post here

Meanwhile, India went into a spot of bother as both Gill and Pant made their way back to the pavilion in the morning session of the second day. The Indian captain departed after notching up a brilliant 147-run knock when the scoreboard read 430-4. After his dismissal, India lost three more wickets, including the well-set Pant within a span of just 24 runs. At the fall of seventh wicket, the Lunch was taken, and it will be interesting to see how much can India can extend their first inning's score with Ravindra Jadeja still at the crease.