Rishabh Pant‘s dismissal for 39 has once again raised questions over his shot selection in Test cricket.
Former India batter Mohammed Kaif has criticised Pant’s approach, saying the wicket was less about his aggressive style and more about using common sense according to the situation.
Rishabh Pant was batting with Devdutt Padikkal when Sri Lanka took the second new ball after 80 overs.
Just four deliveries later, Pant went for a big shot against debutant off spinner Keshara Nuwantha. The shot did not come off. Pant tried to clear the fielder at wide long off but was caught for 39.
Kaif said he had no issue with Pant playing his natural attacking game. His concern was when Pant chose to attack.
The former batter pointed out that it was the first over after the second new ball was taken and felt Pant should have played a few deliveries before looking for a big shot.
Kaif also noted that Pant had already moved out of his crease several times in the over.
In Test cricket, even an established batter with a big score would generally look to see off the new ball before attacking again.
This is not the first time Pant’s aggressive approach has divided opinion.
His attacking cricket has also produced some of his best innings, but it can become a problem when the situation demands patience.
In Galle, India had already built a strong position and Pant was batting with Padikkal, who was well set.
For Kaif, that was the moment to read the situation rather than simply play the shot. Rishabh Pant’s dismissal has once again raised the debate around his Test batting.
Aggression is Pant’s biggest strength but when does aggression become a lack of common sense?
