The Ecstasy And Agony Of Being Rishabh Pant

While one can understand the frustration of Indian fans and former cricketers, it is too early to be over-critical of Pant at this point. This is the same cricketer who has played three brilliant Test...

- Renin Wilben

There was a massive furore in cricketing circles after aggressive wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant perished for a three-ball duck against South Africa in the second innings of the Johannesburg Test. After being unsettled by a vicious short delivery from Kagiso Rabada, Pant charged down the track next ball and tried to slog the South African pacer aimlessly. All the left-hander managed was a nick that was gleefully grabbed by the keeper.

Following his dismissal, a lot of cricket pundits questioned Pant’s careless approach. Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who was on commentary, lashed out at the youngster and said, “Forgettable, no excuses for that shot, no excuses. None of that nonsense about that being his natural game. There is supposed to be a bit of responsibility shown.”

While Gavaskar’s sentiments were echoed by many, another former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar was among the few who backed Pant, stating that it is just the way he plays. According to Manjrekar, the 24-yearold is appreciated when he gets runs in the same manner and so the team management must be prepared to take the bad stuff as well. He scored a well compiled hundred in the third Test.