New Delhi: Three years after being dubbed as the “Gabba hero” for his sensational performance in a historic win for India against Australia in Brisbane on the previous tour, Rishabh Pant finds himself in a completely opposite position.
In 2021, it was Pant’s unbeaten 89 in the fourth innings that led India to a maiden win in Brisbane and a historic Test series victory Down Under. In 2024, Pant’s carlessness in both innings of the Boxing Day Test was one of the main reasons behind India’s dismal defeat against Australia in Melbourne.
India suffered a humbling 184-run loss in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to go down 1-2 in the 5-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With one match to go in Sydney, India can still retain the prestigious trophy with a draw in the series but to win the final game and remain alive in the World Test Championship final race, they must go back to the drawing board.
While the MCG Test defeat was a collective failure as the visitors failed to capitalise on several big opportunities, individual mistakes too played a big part in the loss.
Pant’s careless approach proves costly
Pant’s dismissal in both innings raised questions about the wicket-keeper batter’s temperament and game sense. There is a thin line between carefree and careless and a seasoned player like Pant, who was sold for Rs 27 crore in the Indian Premier League mega-auction, should have known better. The most expensive player in IPL history has let the team down on more than one occasion in the ongoing series and needs to plan his innings as per the situation demands.
In the first innings, Pant drew the ire of fans and experts with Sunil Gavaskar even labelling him ‘stupid’ for trying an irresponsible shot in a delicate situation. Gavaskar’s rant during commentary went viral ‘ as the India great slammed the Delhi wicket-keeper for his poor shot selection with the team under pressure.
The dismissal in question happened in the 56th over of India’s first innings in the morning session on Day 3 when a well-set Pant suddenly turned unconventional from conventional and played a rash shot against the bowling of pacer Scot Boland. Boland’s full delivery could have been played with a straight bat but Pant chose to play a needless scoop shot and was caught at third man. Gavaskar was left fuming at the carelessness of Pant and launched a no-holds-barred verbal attack on Pant.
STUPID STUPID STUPID!!!!
PANT DESERVES IT #ausvsind #indvsaus #pantpic.twitter.com/I3h8Lg5hCG
— Bigg Boss 18 Booster (@bollywcentral) December 30, 2024
Criminal to throw away wicket after getting well-set
In the second innings, Pant, it seemed had learned from his mistake and adopted a no-risk approach for an entire session to raise India’s of saving the match. But just when things were going well, Pant’s natural instincts took over his senses and a lapse in concentration resulted in another careless dismissal.
Pant had shown great patience for 103 balls but was dismissed for 30 after playing a hasty shot against Travis Head to hand Australia a crucial breakthrough at the start of the final session.
Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal batted out an entire session and shared a superb 84-run stand but the former’s dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse which saw India lose their last seven wickets for just 34 runs.
It’s one thing to be dismissed early without getting set and another to get out carelessly after getting well set. It’s almost criminal to get dismissed after establishing yourself at the crease and looking comfortable, especially while playing a risky shot and throwing away a good start.
Pant made the same mistake in both innings.
Rishabh Pant, the costliest player in IPL history, continued his dismal run in India colours. His dismissal in both innings raised questions about the wicket-keeper batter’s temperament and game sense. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
