After Sunil Gavaskar’s Rant, Ravi Shastri Launches Strong Support To Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant faced severe criticism from cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar after his reckless dismissal on Day 3 of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Despite starting well and hitting a few boundaries, Pant’s urge to play a risky lap pull over long-leg led to his downfall, caught at deep third man off Scott Boland’s bowling. Gavaskar did not hold back, exclaiming, “Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! You’ve got two fielders there and you still go for that… That is throwing away your wicket. You cannot say that is your natural game. That is letting your team down badly.”
Former India coach Ravi Shastri defended Pant, arguing that he had faced good deliveries in previous innings and that this was not a recurring issue. However, he advised Pant to adapt his
approach as the situation changed, suggesting that maturity should come into play when the field spreads.Gavaskar’s outburst resonated widely, highlighting the pressure on Pant to perform in critical moments. He emphasized that Pant should have been more cautious given India’s precarious position in the match. The incident sparked discussions about shot selection and responsibility among players, particularly in high-stakes situations like a Test match against Australia. As India continues its campaign, the focus will be on how players like Pant respond to such critiques and learn from their experiences on the field.