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India captain Rohit Sharma didn’t hold back as he publicly criticized wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant for his rash dismissals during the Boxing Day Test against Australia. India suffered a crushing 184-run defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, allowing Australia to take a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Pant’s reckless shot selection in both innings attracted widespread criticism, with Rohit joining the chorus of disappointment. The skipper called for Pant to demonstrate greater responsibility and maturity, particularly in high-pressure situations.
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Rohit Sharma’s Blunt Assessment
Speaking to the media post-match, Rohit highlighted Pant’s past contributions but emphasized the need for better judgment in critical moments.
“Everyone is disappointed about the result. He needs to understand what is required of himself rather than anyone telling him. In the past, he has given us a lot of success. As a captain, there’s a mixed reaction. We back him when it comes off, but when it doesn’t, it’s frustrating. There has to be a balance,” Rohit stated.
The skipper acknowledged that Pant’s fearless approach has yielded remarkable successes for India in the past but stressed the importance of assessing the situation and risk factor before playing extravagant shots.
Pant’s Dismissals Spark Debate
Pant was dismissed in the first innings attempting an awkward reverse sweep, which left the team in trouble. On Day 5, his reckless approach once again cost India as he fell playing a high-risk shot during a crucial period when the team was battling to save the match.
“It’s just about the situation. If there’s a risk-percentage, do you want to take that risk? I know Rishabh for a long time and understand his cricket. There have been conversations in the past. It’s not that he doesn’t understand what the team needs, but there’s a fine line between telling him what to do and letting him realize it himself,” Rohit added.
India’s WTC Hopes Hang by a Thread
The loss has left India in a must-win scenario for the fifth and final Test, which begins on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. A victory would not only level the series but also keep India’s World Test Championship final hopes alive.
While Pant’s fearless batting has often been a match-winner for India, the pressure is mounting on him to strike the right balance between aggression and responsibility, especially as the team faces a do-or-die challenge in Sydney.
