Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant’s batting was the center of discussion in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy played in Melbourne. After making a brilliant partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pant lost his wicket while playing aggressive shots, due to which the team’s innings faltered and India had to face a 184-run defeat. After the match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma said that Pant needs to maintain balance in his game.
Pant’s irresponsible batting became a topic of discussion
Rishabh Pant lost his wicket by playing aggressive shots in both the innings during the match.
- Events of the fourth innings:
- In the last session of the day, Pant played an aggressive shot against makeshift spinner Travis Head and was caught out at long on.
- After his dismissal, the Indian innings faltered, giving Australia a 2–1 lead.
- First innings shot:
Pant lost his wicket by playing a lap shot off Scott Boland, which was criticized by commentator Sunil Gavaskar. “Stupid” relaxed me.
What did Rohit Sharma say?
When asked about Pant’s batting after the match, Rohit said jokingly,
“Today? Or that day?”
- Pant himself needs to understand:
Rohit said,
“Pant has to understand what is important for him. He himself needs to understand what the team expects from him.” - Aggression and balance of circumstances:
“Pant’s aggressive batting has led the team to big wins in the past, but he also has to think about whether his shots can give the opposition a chance to make a comeback in the match.” - Dialogue mention:
Rohit clarified that he had already talked to Pant about this.
Team approach and decisions
Rohit Sharma also said that changes in the team are not personal decisions, but are taken in the best interest of the team.
- Decision to drop Shubman Gill:
On the question of Gill being dropped from the playing eleven, Rohit said,
“This was not my decision alone. The team needed additional options in bowling.”- Gill was the best batsman of the team in Adelaide.
- Rohit said,
“After talking to Gill, it was made clear that this is a strategic decision, he has not been ignored.”
- Balance between bowling and batting:
“We chose a bowling attack that can take 20 wickets while providing batting depth.”
India’s position in the series
India is trailing 1-2 in the five-match series.
- Last match of the series:
The fifth and decisive Test of the series will be played from January 3. - Team Perspective:
Rohit said,
“We make decisions with the best interests of the team in mind, and every player has to understand that.”
