“Be Ugly, Look Ugly”: Sourav Ganguly’s Candid Advice to Rishabh Pant Ahead of England Test Series

As India prepares to take on England in a highly anticipated five-match Test series starting June 20, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has offered a bold and striking piece of advice to flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. In an interview with Revsportz, Ganguly didn’t hold back while analyzing Pant’s recent performances and urged him to tone down his aggressive instincts. “Be ugly, look ugly—just stay there and bat,” Ganguly said, emphasizing the need for adaptability over flair.

Pant, known for his explosive strokeplay and fearless approach, has been a key part of India’s Test setup in recent years. However, Ganguly’s comments reflect a growing concern about Pant’s inconsistent returns, particularly in the longer format and during India’s recent Test series against Australia.

Ganguly Calls for Controlled Aggression

Sourav Ganguly didn’t mince his words when asked about Pant’s approach in red-ball cricket. While praising the left-hander’s natural talent and match-winning ability, he highlighted a crucial flaw in Pant’s recent game—reckless shot selection.

“He played too many shots in Australia,” Ganguly remarked. Pant must learn that balance.”

Ganguly’s use of the phrase “Be ugly, look ugly” wasn’t about appearance—it was about approach. He wants Pant to grind out innings, respect conditions, and fight through difficult periods, even if it means sacrificing the aesthetic of free-flowing strokeplay.

Pant’s Struggles in Australia and IPL 2025

Pant’s underwhelming performance during the Test series in Australia sparked debates about his role and temperament in the team. Many critics pointed out his impulsive shot-making, especially in high-pressure situations where India needed stability.

His struggles didn’t end there. Pant also faced a tough time during IPL 2025, where he failed to deliver consistent performances for the Delhi Capitals. Both fans and analysts expressed disappointment, suggesting that he lacked the maturity expected from a senior player in the squad.

Sourav Ganguly joined this chorus, not out of frustration, but out of belief in Pant’s potential. He knows Pant can become a mainstay in India’s Test lineup, but only if he adapts his instincts to match the demands of challenging conditions.

England: A Land of Caution and Calculation

Playing Test cricket in England presents a unique challenge. The Dukes ball, known for its pronounced seam and swing, can make batting an uphill task—especially for players who rely heavily on strokeplay. Overcast skies, green pitches, and disciplined bowling attacks punish any lapses in concentration.

Ganguly understands these conditions better than most. As a player and captain, he witnessed how even the best batters needed to grind, leave, defend, and bide their time before opening up.

For Pant, this means rethinking his game plan. He can no longer charge down the track or attempt reverse sweeps against quality seamers without considering the risk. Instead, he must build his innings, respect the ball’s movement, and wait for genuine scoring opportunities.

A Mental Shift More Than a Technical One

It’s more about mental discipline. Pant doesn’t lack skill—few players can match his ability to change the course of a game in a single session. But that same ability becomes a weakness if he doesn’t know when to restrain it.

“Test cricket rewards those who outlast pressure,” Ganguly said. “Stay at the crease, bat ugly if you must, but give yourself a chance.”

Can Pant Make the Adjustment?

The big question is: Can Rishabh Pant heed this advice and make the necessary adjustments in time?

There’s reason to believe he can. After all, Pant has shown maturity and temperament in the past. His iconic 89* at Brisbane in 2021 and the gritty 101 at Ahmedabad during England’s last tour of India prove that he can stay patient when the situation demands it.

The upcoming series in England gives Pant the perfect platform to re-establish himself as a reliable Test player. Without veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the lineup, the responsibility on younger players like Pant will multiply. This is his moment—not just to entertain, but to anchor.

Leadership Without the Title

While Pant may not hold an official leadership position in the current squad, Ganguly believes he should lead by example. With several younger players around him, his approach to the series will influence the dressing room dynamic.

If Pant manages to balance caution with confidence, he could set a tone for the entire batting unit. His transformation from a reckless shot-maker to a match-saving mainstay could inspire others to trust the process and play for time and merit.

Final Thoughts: From Flash to Fortitude

“Be ugly, look ugly” isn’t a dismissal of Pant’s flamboyance—it’s a reminder that Test cricket requires substance over style. For Pant to succeed in England, he must embrace patience, accept imperfections, and bat with purpose rather than impulse.

If he takes the advice seriously, Rishabh Pant won’t just survive in England—he’ll dominate it.

And that’s what Ganguly wants. Not fewer shots, but smarter ones. Not a change in identity, but a growth in maturity.

As India prepares for a demanding English summer, all eyes will be on Pant—not just to see if he entertains, but to witness whether he evolves.

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