Rishabh Pant has come under the spotlight once again after another impulsive shot led to his downfall in the second Test against South Africa. The stand-in India captain, already under pressure after a string of similar dismissals, lasted only long enough to score 7 runs before falling at a moment when India needed steadiness more than flair. With Shubman Gill unavailable due to a neck injury, Pant’s leadership and judgement have been questioned as India continue to struggle in the Guwahati Test. Pant walked out after the tea break but survived only briefly. Trying to charge down the track for a big hit across the line, he ended up edging the ball faintly to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, leaving India in deeper trouble.
Former selector Saba Karim did not hold back in his criticism of Pant’s shot selection. Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Karim said the skipper’s decision-making was baffling, especially considering the situation India were in. “There’s no logical explanation for this,” Karim said. “Perhaps for the first time in his Test career, even Rishabh Pant himself might struggle to justify that shot. It came right after tea, and as captain he is expected to shoulder responsibility. He has enough experience at this level to show the way by coping with pressure and taking the blows.” India’s collapse to 201 in response to South Africa’s 489 highlighted just how far they fell behind in execution and discipline. The visitors gained a huge 288-run lead, leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb. Karim said the problem was not Pant’s natural attacking instinct but his timing and judgement. “You can still play your own game, but that has to come with patience,” he said. “Attempting a high-risk shot at that stage put the whole team in a difficult corner. India are now in a very tough position, and recovering from here will not be easy.”
