Gavaskar Criticizes Rishabh Pant’s Dismissal at MCG: “Stupid, Stupid, Stupid”
Rishabh Pant has been a match-winner for India in critical situations, but his penchant for risky, unorthodox shots came under severe scrutiny during the third morning of the MCG Test against Australia. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar didn’t mince his words, calling Pant’s shot “stupid” and accusing him of letting the team down.
What Happened: Pant’s Unnecessary Gamble
The dismissal happened when India resumed their innings on 164 for 5, with Pant and Ravindra Jadeja working hard to stabilize the innings. Pant, looking in good touch at 28 off 37 balls, attempted a scoop off Scott Boland, targeting the leg side. However, the shot ended in disaster as he handed an easy catch to deep third off a leading edge.
Key Moments Leading to the Dismissal:
- On the previous ball, Pant tried the same shot and inside-edged it onto his body, losing balance.
- Ignoring the field setup—with two deep fielders stationed for exactly that shot—Pant went for the scoop again, this time connecting poorly and getting caught.
- India was trailing by 283 runs at that stage, making the wicket even more frustrating from a team perspective.
Gavaskar’s Analysis: “Terrible Shot Selection”
Speaking on Star Sports during the lunch break, Gavaskar criticized Pant’s shot selection, emphasizing the lack of judgment shown by the young wicketkeeper-batsman.
“That was a terrible selection of a shot to play at that particular point, with two fielders in the deep. You have to understand the situation and not just call it your ‘natural game,’” Gavaskar said.
Key Takeaways from Gavaskar’s Comments:
- Context Matters: Gavaskar highlighted the importance of understanding the match situation, especially when the team is under pressure.
- Unorthodox vs Reckless: While unorthodox shots are a strength for Pant, Gavaskar argued that over-reliance on such strokes makes him predictable and vulnerable at the Test level.
- Batting Order Debate: Gavaskar suggested that if Pant continues to play such risky shots, he should bat lower in the order instead of the crucial No. 5 position.
Gavaskar’s Harsh Words on Live Commentary
During live commentary on ABC Radio, Gavaskar’s immediate reaction to Pant’s dismissal was scathing.
“Stupid, stupid, stupid. You’ve missed the previous shot, and now you’ve been caught at deep third man. That’s throwing away your wicket!”
Gavaskar went on to say that the team needed Pant to play responsibly given the situation, adding that his dismissal was a major disappointment.
“This is not about your ‘natural game.’ This is about letting your team down badly,” he added.
The Natural Game Debate: Is Pant’s Approach a Double-Edged Sword?
Rishabh Pant’s aggressive batting style has often been a game-changer for India. From his famous innings at the Gabba in 2021 to crucial knocks in England, Pant’s unorthodox approach has delivered memorable victories.
However, as Gavaskar pointed out, this high-risk, high-reward strategy doesn’t always work, particularly in Test cricket, where match situations demand a more measured approach.
Pros of Pant’s Aggression:
- Breaks the rhythm of bowlers and puts pressure back on the opposition.
- Adds quick runs in critical moments, especially against tiring bowlers.
Cons of Pant’s Approach:
- Inconsistent results when facing disciplined bowling attacks.
- Leaves the team vulnerable when key partnerships are broken prematurely.
India’s Position Post Pant’s Dismissal
Pant’s wicket left India at 191 for 6, still trailing Australia by 283 runs. Fortunately, lower-order contributions from Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar helped India recover and get into a competitive position later in the day.
FAQs: Rishabh Pant’s MCG Shot Controversy
Q1. Why did Sunil Gavaskar criticize Rishabh Pant?
Gavaskar criticized Pant for playing a reckless shot despite knowing there were two fielders in the deep. He called it a poor decision, especially given the match situation.
Q2. What shot did Rishabh Pant attempt?
Pant attempted a scoop from outside off-stump towards the leg side off Scott Boland. Instead, he ended up handing a catch to deep third off a leading edge.
Q3. Should Rishabh Pant change his batting style?
While Pant’s aggressive style is his strength, experts like Gavaskar believe he needs to adapt his approach in Test cricket, especially in pressure situations.
Q4. Was this the first time Pant faced criticism for his shot selection?
No, Pant has faced criticism in the past for playing rash shots in key moments. However, his successes have often overshadowed these instances.
Q5. What changes could India make to utilize Pant better?
Gavaskar suggested moving Pant down the batting order if he continues to rely on high-risk strokes, allowing others to play more responsibly in crucial positions.
Is It Time for Pant to Evolve?
Rishabh Pant is undeniably one of India’s most exciting cricketers, capable of turning matches around single-handedly. However, as Sunil Gavaskar highlighted, the need to balance aggression with responsibility is crucial, particularly in Test cricket.
With his immense talent, Pant has the potential to become a consistent match-winner. But to do so, he must learn to adapt his natural game to the demands of different match situations.
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