Sunil Gavaskar Defends His Outburst After Rishabh Pant Dismissal in IND vs AUS 4th Test

Legendary Indian batter and former captain Sunil Gavaskar has provided an explanation for his frustration directed at Rishabh Pant following the wicketkeeper-batter’s reckless dismissal during the first innings of the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Pant, who had been batting on 28 runs off 36 balls, attempted an overly ambitious shot against Australian pacer Scott Boland. Unfortunately, the mistimed shot resulted in a simple catch for Nathan Lyon, handing Australia a crucial breakthrough on the third day of the match.

Gavaskar, commentating for ABC Sport alongside Harsha Bhogle, could not hide his displeasure with Pant’s choice of shot. Known for his analytical and candid commentary, Gavaskar criticized the young cricketer on-air for displaying a lack of responsibility at such a pivotal moment in the game. His remarks quickly went viral, sparking conversations across cricketing circles.

Sunil Gavaskar Outburst Caught On Camera

In the video that made rounds on social media, Sunil Gavaskar frustration was evident as he called Pant’s decision-making “stupid.” He said: “Stupid, stupid, stupid. You’ve got two fielders there, and you still go for that. You missed the previous shot. And look where you have been caught. You have been caught at deep third man. That is throwing away your wicket. Not in the situation that India was in. You have to understand the situation as well. You cannot say that’s your natural game. I’m sorry. That’s not your natural game. That is a stupid shot. That is letting your team down badly!”

The remarks reflected the former Indian captain’s high expectations from Pant, a player he considers highly talented but sometimes overly reliant on aggressive batting. Gavaskar’s critique wasn’t merely about the shot; it was also about the mindset that led to it.

Explaining Sunil Gavaskar Emotions

Speaking later about the incident, Sunil Gavaskar clarified why he reacted so strongly. “Honestly, this game has made me. Indian cricket has made me. So when I see somebody as talented as Rishabh Pant play that shot … and I had no problems with the first shot he played. The reason why I got upset was the ego took over for the next ball,” Gavaskar explained. He highlighted that Pant’s decision to attempt a big shot immediately after being struck in the midriff was driven by a desire to assert dominance over the bowler rather than a calculated approach.

“I’ve just been hit in the midriff attempting a similar shot. I’m gonna show the bowler who’s the boss. Test cricket is not easy,” Gavaskar remarked, emphasizing the importance of discipline and situational awareness in the longest format of the game. “When he got out, I was always saying that they have got two fielders there in the deep. This is a big ground; it’s not easy to hit sixes. You’ve got fielders in catching positions at deep square leg and deep fine leg. But when he got caught at third man with the edge, that’s when I thought he crossed the line.”

Demanding Better Shot Selection by Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar urged Pant to make better shot selections, highlighting that the wicketkeeper-batter has the ability to guide the team through challenging situations with a more conventional approach. “I’ve seen him play some fabulous innings, Rishabh Pant. But here in Australia, I get the impression he thinks that’s the only way he’s going to score runs here. He’s stepping down the pitch and lofting the ball to get boundaries,” Gavaskar noted.

He elaborated that while Pant’s audacious strokeplay has been a hallmark of his batting, it’s not the only way he has found success in the past. “He has, of course, played those shots, and those have been outrageously good. But it looks like he’s overdoing it. I’ve seen him play the cover drive along the ground very well. The square cut, the pull shot, the flick off the pads – everything he’s got. So why not use the full range of shots?”

Gavaskar also acknowledged the fine line between being carefree and careless as a batter. “Yes, if he had connected and it had gone for a six, I would’ve applauded the shot as well. But there you are, you get out, and it’s a fine line with the bat between being carefree and careless. And I thought he crossed that line,” he said.

The Context of the Match

The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the MCG was finely balanced as it headed into the final day. India’s chances depended heavily on disciplined batting, with all three results still in play. Earlier in the day, Australia’s lower-order duo, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland, had frustrated the Indian bowlers with a vital 50-run partnership for the last wicket, extending Australia’s lead to over 330 runs.

Pant’s dismissal came at a time when India needed stability and a calculated approach to chase down the target or at least draw the match. His choice to go for an ambitious big shot rather than consolidating the innings drew criticism from cricketing experts and fans alike, with Gavaskar’s pointed comments sparking the most debate.

A Lesson for Rishabh Pant

While Gavaskar’s critique may have seemed harsh, it stemmed from his belief in Pant’s potential to be a match-winner for India. Pant has shown glimpses of brilliance throughout his career, playing game-changing innings in challenging conditions. However, as Gavaskar emphasized, the young batter must strike a balance between aggression and responsibility to maximize his contributions to the team.

The incident serves as a reminder of the demanding nature of Test cricket, where every decision on the field can have significant consequences. For Pant, it’s an opportunity to reflect, learn, and adapt his game to meet the high standards of the longest format. And for Gavaskar, it’s a testament to his enduring passion for Indian cricket and his desire to see the team and its players succeed at the highest level.