India’s Boxing Day Test woes at Melbourne continued on Day 3 as Rishabh Pant added another chapter to their tale of gifting wickets to Australia. Known for his audacious stroke play, Pant’s latest dismissal wasn’t one for the highlight reel but instead drew ire from fans and experts alike. Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar minced no words, labelling Pant’s shot selection as “stupid” during his commentary stint on ABC Sport.
Pant began the day with measured intent, mixing caution with calculated aggression. His controlled loft over long-on and wristy pull shots showcased his typical flair but with a semblance of responsibility. However, streaky edges hinted at a brewing lapse in judgment. The inevitable came in the 56th over when Scott Boland’s delivery outside off-stump lured Pant into a rash attempt.
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Aiming for a falling sweep to the leg side, he mistimed the shot, sending a dolly to Nathan Lyon stationed at deep fine third. The ill-conceived stroke, especially after narrowly escaping a similar fate on the previous ball, left fans and critics frustrated.
— Sunil Gavaskar (@gavaskar_theman) December 28, 2024
— Deepali (@depali_) December 28, 2024
Sunil Gavaskar didn’t hold back, lambasting Pant’s approach. “You’ve got two fielders there, and you still go for that. That’s throwing away your wicket. It’s not about your natural game—it’s about playing for your team,” he fumed. “He shouldn’t even walk into India’s dressing room; he should head to the Australian one.”
Fox Cricket’s Mark Howard echoed the sentiment, describing the dismissal as Pant watching his error unfold in real-time. Alyssa Healy noted the inherent risk of targeting a leg-side field already well-guarded. Greg Blewett, speaking on Triple M Cricket, emphasized the need for introspection. “Pant should seek clarification on what was going through his mind. It can’t just be a case of doing whatever you want,” he remarked.
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Pant’s untimely exit left India in deeper trouble as Australia tightened their grip on the match. His dismissal wasn’t just another lost wicket; it symbolized a larger issue—failing to adapt to the match situation. For a player of Pant’s caliber, the challenge lies not in showcasing his natural game but in tempering it to serve the team’s cause. With the Test hanging in the balance, his moment of recklessness might well prove a decisive turning point in India’s pursuit of stability against Australia’s relentless attack.
Australia has decoded Rishabh Pant’s weaknesses, and his blind slogging game has been exposed in this BGT series. pic.twitter.com/42BZfDTCbs
— Chinmay Shah (@chinmayshah28) December 28, 2024
Rishabh Pant is not a team man. He plays unnecessary shots at such crucial moments every time; it feels like he doesn’t care about the outcome of the match.
— Akansha Datta 💐 (@akanshadattaaa) December 28, 2024
Rishabh Pant sympathy quota hits out
Please retire and stop playing with the emotions of a billion Indians.#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/UEURiq2x84
— Yanika_Lit (@LogicLitLatte) December 28, 2024
Sunil Gavaskar Calling Rishabh Pant Stupid and saying he shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near Dressing Room
Mr. Gavaskar, People like you made this Stupid Cricketer projected as Intent Merchant, Match Winner. Do you remember your words about Pant For WC selection? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HYv7CDNx6D
— BRUTU #AUG21 ❤️ (@Brutu24) December 28, 2024
Completely irresponsible play by Rishabh Pant
This is not ‘Fearless’ this is simply ‘Bra!nless’ 🤡#INDvsAUS #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/tGMwBZ2pxJ
— Veena Jain (@DrJain21) December 28, 2024
