Rishabh Pant came under fire during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, especially from former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, who criticized the wicketkeeper-batter for his shot selection in crucial moments. Pant, who managed to score 255 runs across five Tests at a modest average of 28.33, registered only one half-century during the series. This knock, however, came at a pivotal moment during the final Test in Sydney.
The criticism peaked during the fourth Test when Pant, after playing a determined innings, fell to a well-planned trap set by Australian captain Pat Cummins. Travis Head was brought into the attack, prompting Pant to go for an aggressive shot, which resulted in his dismissal at third man. India ultimately lost the Test by 184 runs in Melbourne.
Gavaskar, in a heated critique, labeled Pant’s decision-making as “stupid,” drawing widespread attention. However, former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan, who will work with Pant at the Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming IPL season, stepped in to support the young batter.
“Back Instincts and Play Freely,” Says Zaheer
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Zaheer emphasized the importance of trusting a player’s instincts. “It’s not just about Rishabh; every batter in the squad should have the freedom to back their instincts. They’ve played the game long enough to understand its nuances,” Zaheer stated.
Zaheer highlighted that players must be given the liberty to make decisions without hesitation. “The decision-making process shouldn’t be clouded. It should be simple and instinctive, aligned with the team’s objectives. Whether you win or lose, it’s a collective effort,” he added.
Focus on Team Goals
Zaheer stressed the significance of keeping the team’s goals at the forefront while playing. “When you’re part of a team sport, you must focus on what the team requires in that situation. Each player should have the freedom to contribute accordingly,” he explained.
While the criticism surrounding Pant’s approach during the series continues to generate debate, Zaheer’s perspective underlines the need for a balance between instinctive play and team strategy, giving players the confidence to learn and grow from their experiences.
