Ravi Shastri tells Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir to ‘let Rishabh Pant be’—Gill chats with him moments later

On Day 5 of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s, former India head coach Ravi Shastri offered a simple piece of advice to the current team management — don’t overthink Rishabh Pant. Speaking on Sky Sports before the final day’s play, Shastri urged captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir to just let Pant be.

“Just let him go today, don’t even have a chat. That’s what will confuse him,” Shastri said, suggesting that too much input could disrupt Pant’s natural instinctive game. With India needing 135 runs and only six wickets in hand, all eyes were on Pant and the experienced KL Rahul as they resumed the chase.

Pant was set to face the first ball of the day from England captain Ben Stokes, who had clean bowled nightwatchman Akash Deep in the final over of Day 4. Shastri, however, made it clear that Pant didn’t need any reminders.

“His computer is working. He’s experienced enough. He’s scored hundreds all around the world and averages close to 45. He knows the importance of his innings — but he has to do it his way. If he tries to be someone else, it’s not going to help,” Shastri added.

Ironically, even as Shastri gave that advice, Shubman Gill was spotted chatting with Pant on the Lord’s balcony just before play — the exact opposite of what Shastri suggested.

Pant, India’s vice-captain, has been in sensational form throughout the series. He began the tour with back-to-back centuries at Headingley, surpassing MS Dhoni for most hundreds by an Indian wicketkeeper. He followed it up with a rapid fifty in Birmingham and another composed half-century in the first innings at Lord’s.

On Day 5, however, the stage was set for Pant to deliver under pressure. With KL Rahul at the other end, the pair was expected to anchor the chase. In the first innings, the two had stitched together a crucial 141-run stand after India were struggling at 107/3. Pant had scored 74 before being run out, trying to help Rahul reach his hundred before lunch.

But hopes of another rescue act were dashed early. Pant began his innings positively, slashing Jofra Archer for two early boundaries. However, Archer’s plan to bowl full and straight quickly paid off. A sharp delivery, pitched up and angling in, beat Pant’s defence and crashed into his off stump — a brutal reminder of Archer’s pace and precision.

Pant's dismissal — a short but spirited knock — was a major blow for India. Given his form, even half an hour at the crease could’ve turned the match on its head. Instead, his early departure left India’s hopes hanging by a thread.