After successive dismissals vs Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Rishabh Pant told not to reverse sweep by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has emerged as a game-changer for the Men in Blue at the number three batting position in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. After 18 months away from international cricket, Pant has strengthened Team India’s middle order with his aggressive batting style in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

In five innings, the left-handed batter has amassed 152 runs at an impressive strike rate of 135.7. His ability to accelerate innings when the Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fail to provide a strong start for India has been proving crucial for their fortunes in the ongoing tournament.

Rishabh Pant's reverse sweep leaves Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma angry

Despite occasional dismissals due to risky shots like the reverse sweep, Pant's fearless approach has been making him a vital asset in the Indian cricket team’s quest to win the T20 World Cup in 2024. However, Pant's 20 runs against Afghanistan and 36 runs against Bangladesh in the Super-8 matches showcased his ability to dominate once settled on the ground.

However, the Indian wicketkeeper's dismissals on both occasions attempting the reverse sweep have sparked discussions and animated gestures from the Indian skipper Rohit and Kohli. Pant fell LBW to Afghanistan skipper and star spinner Rashid Khan, while he miscued to short third-man against Bangladesh while playing the reverse sweep shot in the Super-8 matches.

Kohli's visible disappointment in Pant's dismissal against Bangladesh in Antigua has widely grabbed the attention of commentators and fans. From animated discussions with Rohit in the dugout to a direct conversation with Pant himself, Kohli's concern was evident over throwing his wicket.

The original number three batter’s gestures suggested that he wants Pant to adopt more caution while playing such risky shots, particularly in crucial phases of the game, as the T20 World Cup 2024 is heading into the business end.

Former Indian cricketers defend Virat Kohli's reaction; slam Rishabh Pant's shot selection in T20 World Cup 2024 Super-8 Stage

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla warned that repeating the same mistake could pose problems for Pant, especially in crucial matches where top teams capitalize on such opportunities at the global event. He also mentioned that Rohit and Kohli were not happy with Pant.

Chawla said on-air: “If he commits the same mistake twice – right now it's fine – but in big matches he can face problems because big teams don't let these opportunities slip. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in agreement there. Because they know what Pant is capable of.”

On the other hand, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter and commentator Deep Dasgupta also reacted to Kohli’s animated chat with Pant after his wicket against Bangladesh. Dasgupta said on air: “You could see Kohli talking to him now. He was playing really well, Rishabh. Was there a need to play such a shot in that situation.”

Another Indian commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar, then joined Chawla and Dasgupta in the discussion over Kohli’s reaction to Pant’s wicket in Antigua. Manjrekar said: “If you noticed Virat Kohli's reaction… when Rishabh Pant got out, Kohli didn't know that the camera was on him. He immediately reacted and then hid his face with a towel. The way fans would have reacted to his dismissal, Kohli did the same way.”

#ViratKohli was all of us after #RishabhPant's wicket! 🥲

📹 | Watch our expert, @sanjaymanjrekar talk about #KingKohli's reaction!

How did you react to Pant's unlucky dismissal?

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