Sunil Gavaskar criticized Rishabh Pant for his reckless shot during Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test, calling it a “stupid” dismissal.
Rishabh Pant drew sharp criticism for his dismissal on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The left-handed batter, looking in good touch, attempted a scoop shot but mistimed it. The ball took a thick edge and landed comfortably in the hands of Nathan Lyon at third man, ending Pant’s innings at 28 runs.
Pant had started the day positively, but with India already seven wickets down, his shot selection raised eyebrows. Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed frustration at Pant’s approach, calling the shot irresponsible and stupid, given the match situation.
“Stupid, stupid, stupid. You’ve got two fielders there, and you still go for that, you’ve missed the previous shot. And look where you’ve been caught. You’ve been caught at deep third man. That is throwing away your wicket. Not in the situation that India was. You have to understand the situation as well, you cannot say that that’s your natural game. I’m sorry, that is not your natural game. That is a stupid shot. That is letting your team down badly!” was Gavaskar’s immediate reaction on air.
Ravi Shastri Comes to Rishabh Pant’s Defense
Meanwhile, former India coach Ravi Shastri defended Rishabh Pant amid criticism over his dismissal. Shastri noted that Pant’s dismissals throughout the series have not always stemmed from aggressive shot-making but often from excellent deliveries. He then advised Pant to refine his game by balancing aggression with strategic play.
“It’s not in every innings he has attempted that shot. Let’s look at the way he was dismissed in each innings, he got 2-3 really good deliveries. He got a really good delivery that left off the length in Adelaide, there was no way he played an attacking shot,” Shastri told Star Sports.
“He got another one that left him, he was caught behind. Second innings in Adelaide, secodn ball of the day, he gets a good one from Starc and he nicks it. So, let’s calm down here, guys. It’s not every time he’s throwing it away. He got some good balls as well,” he added.
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Last Updated on December 28, 2024
