Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has expressed concerns regarding India's batting order, proposing that it may be more beneficial for the team if Rishabh Pant were to bat at number 6. This recommendation follows Pant's disappointing performance, where he was dismissed for a mere 9 runs in the first innings of the Brisbane Test, marking his fifth consecutive failure in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Having gained acclaim for his performances in the 2020-21 series, Pant entered the Australian tour with high expectations; however, he has yet to make a significant contribution with the bat in the current series.

Bangar emphasized that he would refrain from delving too deeply into Pant's form, suggesting that the top order needs to assume greater responsibility in establishing a solid foundation for the team.

"In the last two innings, particularly with the pink ball, he faced quality deliveries early in his innings. Such occurrences are inevitable. Therefore, I would not overanalyze the situation if I were in his position. Nonetheless, the top order must shoulder a bit more responsibility," Bangar remarked during an interview with Star Sports.

Additionally, Bangar noted that captain Rohit Sharma should have batted at number 5 when India began to lose wickets rapidly at the top, as Pant possesses the capability to make a significant impact even at number 6.

"Furthermore, if three wickets had fallen at that critical juncture, could Rohit Sharma have batted at No. 5 instead of No. 6? This question certainly arises in my mind, as he has been opening the batting. In such a match situation, could that adjustment have been made? Rishabh Pant can also leave his mark while batting at No. 6," Bangar concluded.

"Deep Dasgupta: Rishabh Pant Should Bat at No. 5, Not Open"

During the same discussion, Deep Dasgupta asserted that Pant was dismissed by quality deliveries when facing a new ball, which is typically a challenging scenario for middle-order batsmen.

"All the deliveries were of high quality. There is a reason he occupies the No. 5 position. He is neither an opener nor a No. 3, but rather a No. 5. When analyzing his dismissals outside the off-stump, one must consider the timing of his arrival at the crease. The ball was new and moved away after pitching," he stated.

The former wicketkeeper emphasized that it would be unjust to overly criticize Pant, as he was brought to the crease early due to a failure in the top order.

"It is not that he played a poor shot. He was dismissed while attempting to defend. While we could discuss the concept of hard hands, it is important to note that a No. 5 batter typically possesses hard hands, which is why they are placed in the middle order. Very few middle-order batsmen, particularly those who are stroke players, lack hard hands. Therefore, it is essential not to be excessively critical," Dasgupta remarked.

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