Mathews warns India to back Pant as Galle Test looms
Angelo Mathews urges Indian management to support Rishabh Pant’s aggressive style while cautioning against over-reliance on spin in upcoming series.
Sri Lankan cricket veteran Angelo Mathews has urged the Indian management to fully back wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant ahead of the first Test match in Galle, suggesting the player possesses the capacity to replicate the disruptive impact once wielded by Virender Sehwag. Speaking ahead of the series, Mathews emphasised that Pant’s aggressive approach is a vital asset that requires institutional support from the national selectors.
The first Test of the series begins on Saturday in Galle, the same venue where Sri Lanka secured their last victory against India in 2015, a match captained by Mathews himself. While much of the pre-series discourse has centred on the dominance of spin bowling, Mathews challenged the narrative that Sri Lankan conditions are exclusively dictated by turners. He noted that playing on ranked turners can often backfire on home teams, citing instances where India faced difficulties against New Zealand and South Africa on similar surfaces.
Mathews recalled Sehwag’s destructive performances against Ajanta Mendis as a benchmark for the type of threat Pant represents. He argued that Pant takes the game on immediately upon reaching the crease, a trait that demands backing from the team management. According to Mathews, a player capable of changing the course of a match within hours is an invaluable asset that should be nurtured rather than constrained.
Success on Sri Lankan wickets, Mathews noted, requires proactive shot-making rather than defensive caution. He advised that batsmen must sweep effectively and utilise their feet to counter spin, rather than retreating into a shell. This perspective extends to the bowling attack as well, with Mathews stressing that fast bowlers such as Asif Fernando and Vishwa Fernando remain significant threats, particularly with the new ball, and should not be overlooked in favour of spinners.
Beyond the immediate contest, Mathews expressed disappointment regarding the broader decline in Test matches available to Sri Lanka. He attributed the team’s inconsistent performances partly to a lack of opportunities following the retirements of stalwarts Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Mathews called on the International Cricket Council to play a more active role in ensuring that established teams receive sufficient fixtures, describing the current scarcity of matches as disheartening for the sport’s development.
