“The wicket appears quite green, but as we come to England, encountering a green pitch is nothing unusual for us. We have adequately prepared for it, and both teams will have to perform on the same surface. Ultimately, the team that plays better cricket will emerge victorious,” Pant stated during the pre-match press conference.
The left-handed batsman mentioned that the Indian A practice matches have given the visiting team ample opportunity to adapt to the playing conditions in England. The India A side engaged in two four-day matches against the England Lions, along with an intra-squad game between India A and the senior players of the Shubman Gill-led team.
“We had more time for practice, and it’s closer to match conditions, allowing us to focus on the basics as the match nears. We completed our volume in London, which was crucial for us. Now, returning to Headingley, we will concentrate on how we aim to approach the game.”
Pant also shared that the exit of experienced players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin has created significant gaps in the Indian lineup. Nevertheless, the team is arriving in England with a positive outlook.
“It’s obviously a new beginning for us, and while significant players have departed, there’s an opportunity for us to cultivate a new culture or build upon the existing one from the past,” he said.
“We are eager to share knowledge with one another and foster care and camaraderie in the dressing room, which is something we are looking forward to.”
Pant remarked that the squad is unfazed by India’s lack of a Test series win in England since 2007, when they last triumphed 1-0 under Rahul Dravid’s leadership.
“Our approach is straightforward: play positive cricket while respecting the conditions. Our aim is to win this series. That’s the mindset we carry. We don’t view ourselves as a young team. The discussions in our group revolve around how we can win this match and the series, and how each player can contribute.
“For us, it isn’t about individual accolades; it’s ultimately about team success. If the team wins, everyone benefits. That is the mentality and thought process we aim to foster moving forward,” he concluded.
First Published: Jun 19, 2025 4:27 PM IST
