Sachin Tendulkar Lauds Rishabh Pant’s Clever Paddle Sweep and Shubman Gill’s Mind Games in India vs England Test

Leeds, June 21, 2025 – Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar took to X today to praise the tactical brilliance of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill during India’s dominant performance on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Headingley. Tendulkar’s post highlighted Pant’s innovative “falling paddle sweep” and the duo’s clever on-field mind games, which he believes played a significant role in unsettling England’s bowlers.

Tendulkar’s post, shared at 17:54 IST, read: “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. 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.”

The post quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion among fans and analysts about the strategic nuances of Pant and Gill’s approach. Pant, who scored a blistering 134 off 178 balls, including his seventh Test century, showcased his unorthodox shot-making, with the falling paddle sweep standing out as a calculated move to counter England’s spin attack, particularly Shoaib Bashir. Tendulkar’s observation underscored the shot’s deliberate nature, noting how Pant’s technique allowed him to manipulate the field with precision.

Equally intriguing was Tendulkar’s revelation about the on-field tactics employed by Pant and Gill, who forged a 209-run partnership. The duo’s loud conversations in Hindi during Bashir’s spell were, according to Tendulkar, a deliberate attempt to disrupt the young spinner’s focus. This subtle psychological ploy, while not reflected in the scorecard, highlighted the street-smart cricketing intelligence of India’s new-generation stars.

India ended Day 1 at 359/3, with Gill (147) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) also scoring centuries, putting England under immense pressure. On Day 2, India’s innings concluded at 471, with Pant’s century capped by a six off Bashir. England, in response, reached 209/3 by stumps, trailing by 262 runs, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming three wickets.

Tendulkar’s comments resonated with fans on X, with one user (@thegreatindiav) posting, “That’s some next-level strategy by Rishabh and Shubman! Their on-field tactics are as impressive as their skills. It’s the little things that can make a big difference in the game. 🏏🧠 #CricketMindGames.” Another user (@thoughtsprovo) echoed, “Rishabh’s paddle isn’t just about flair—it’s a calculated risk with high cricketing IQ. And that chatter between Gill and Pant? That’s classic Test match street-smartness.”

The match, part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, marks the start of India’s ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle under Gill’s captaincy. Tendulkar, who earlier predicted a 3-1 series win for India, continues to back the young side, drawing parallels to India’s iconic 2002 triumph at Headingley, where he and Sourav Ganguly played pivotal roles.

As the Test progresses, Pant and Gill’s performances, both with the bat and in their tactical acumen, have set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested series. Tendulkar’s insights have added a layer of appreciation for the subtle artistry and psychological warfare that define Test cricket’s enduring appeal.