Rishabh Pant Criticized: Poor Shot Selection Sparks Debate

India’s start to Day 3 of the fourth Test against Australia at Melbourne was far from promising. Resuming at 164 for five, still trailing by 310 runs, the Indian team needed a fighting performance from the overnight pair of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja. However, the first session saw both batters dismissed, leaving India struggling at 244 for seven at lunch.

Rishabh Pant’s dismissal, in particular, became a talking point, drawing sharp criticism from former India captain Sunil Gavaskar. Known for his straightforward commentary, Gavaskar didn’t hold back, calling Pant’s shot selection “terrible” and questioning his suitability for the No. 5 batting position in Test cricket.

The Context: A Crucial Moment for Pant

Pant walked in as India’s last specialist batter, with the team precariously placed. The situation called for composure, calculated shot selection, and the ability to grind out runs. While Pant started positively, hitting a few boundaries and surviving close calls, his eventual dismissal raised serious concerns.

Facing Scott Boland, Pant attempted a risky lap shot, only to mistime it and offer a simple catch to Nathan Lyon. His 28-run knock off 37 balls ended abruptly, leaving India in deeper trouble.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Analysis

1. Criticism of Shot Selection

Gavaskar, speaking on Star Sports, was visibly frustrated with Pant’s decision-making. He stated:

"That is a terrible shot selection especially with the fielders placed where they were. He seems to have two ways of scoring, either by hammering the ball over long-on or looking to play these shots. Which means, at the Test level, you can't always score consistently."

Gavaskar’s observation highlights a pattern in Pant’s approach: relying heavily on high-risk strokes rather than adjusting to the demands of Test cricket.

2. Suitability for No. 5 Position

Gavaskar further questioned Pant’s ability to bat at No. 5, suggesting his temperament and style may be better suited to a lower-order role:

"If he wants to bat this way, he can't bat at No. 5 but maybe lower down the order. That means that he will score some runs here and there."

The remark underscores the need for Pant to rethink his approach if he is to succeed as a top-order batter.

3. Concerns Over Consistency

One of the most telling points raised by Gavaskar was Pant’s low conversion rate for scores above 50 in Test cricket:

"You see some of his fours, they were edges through the slips. His 50-plus conversion rate is just 19 percent? Is that good enough for a No. 5?"

This statistic underscores Pant’s struggles with consistency, a critical trait for a batter in the middle order.

India’s Day 3 Struggles

By lunch, India had managed to reduce the deficit to 230 runs but lost two crucial wickets in the process. Ravindra Jadeja, dismissed lbw by Mitchell Starc for just 1, failed to provide any support to Pant. The responsibility to stabilize the innings now fell on Nitish Reddy (40*) and Washington Sundar (5*).

The Larger Debate: Pant’s Role in the Test Team

1. Balancing Aggression and Responsibility

Pant’s aggressive batting has often been a double-edged sword. While it has brought moments of brilliance, it has also led to frustration when the team required a more cautious approach. The challenge for Pant lies in finding a balance between his natural flair and the discipline needed in Test cricket.

2. Shot Selection in Critical Moments

Pant’s lap shot against Boland, particularly given the field placement, was an ill-timed risk. Such decisions not only cost him his wicket but also impact the team’s chances in closely fought matches.

3. Adaptability in Test Cricket

To succeed in the longer format, Pant must adapt his game to different conditions and match situations. This includes improving his defensive technique and developing the patience to build innings.

Key Takeaways from Gavaskar’s Criticism

• Shot Selection Matters: Test cricket demands strategic shot selection, especially when the team is under pressure.
• Positioning Concerns: Pant may need to adjust his batting position or approach to align with the team’s needs.
• Consistency is Key: A low conversion rate for 50-plus scores is a red flag for any top-order batter.

Moving Forward

Rishabh Pant remains one of the most exciting talents in Indian cricket. His fearless approach has won India matches in the past, but his recent dismissals highlight the need for growth and maturity in his game.

For the Indian team, finding the right balance between encouraging Pant’s natural game and instilling a sense of responsibility will be crucial. Whether Pant can rise to the occasion and address these concerns remains to be seen.

Conclusion

Rishabh Pant’s dismissal and Sunil Gavaskar’s pointed critique underscore the challenges facing the young batter in Test cricket. While his talent is undeniable, consistency, adaptability, and better decision-making will be key to unlocking his full potential.