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Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Rishabh Pant's decision-making and explained why he does not currently consider the wicketkeeper-batter an all-format player for India. Ashwin believes Pant's tendency to take high-risk options at crucial moments has not matched what the team has needed from him during the Test series against Sri Lanka.
Rishabh Pant has still produced useful contributions during the series, including a 66 in the first Test and a 63 in the second. However, Ashwin feels the 28-year-old needs to take greater responsibility in Test cricket, particularly given his experience at the international level.
How did Rishabh Pant perform in Test series against Sri Lanka?
Rishabh Pant had a mixed outing with the bat during India's two-Test tour of Sri Lanka. He scored 39 and 66 in the first Test, before making 63 in the second Test, finishing the series with 168 runs.
In India's first innings of the opening Test, Pant made 39 from 62 deliveries, hitting four fours and one six. He was dismissed by Keshara Nuwantha, with Sonal Dinusha taking the catch at deep mid-off. Pant advanced down the pitch looking to attack a delivery outside off stump but did not get to the ball properly and sliced it towards the fielder.
Rishabh Pant then made a more aggressive 66 off 69 balls in India's second innings. He struck eight fours and two sixes before Lahiru Kumara dismissed him. Pant attempted a pull against a short delivery, but the shot did not come off and Niroshan Dickwella completed the catch behind the stumps.
In the second Test in Colombo, Pant scored 63 off 89 balls, with six fours and two sixes. Once again, Keshara Nuwantha accounted for him. Pant came down the track but failed to get enough elevation on the shot, sending the ball towards long-off where Lahiru Udara completed the catch.
My expectation from Rishabh Pant hasn't been fulfilled till now - Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin believes Pant's numbers alone do not tell the complete story. While acknowledging his ability to produce impactful innings, the former India spinner argued that the batter needs to assess situations better instead of automatically opting for aggressive shots.
"My expectation from Rishabh Pant hasn't been fulfilled till now. I am very sorry. Sonal Dinusha had his strike rate up there. But the difference is high-risk options. When you have the game in your hand, these are all statements: 'That's how Rishabh plays.' It is about what your team needs," Ravichandran Ashwin said in a video on 'Ash Ki Baat'.
Ravichandran Ashwin also pointed to Pant's memorable performances in Australia while stressing that individual brilliance alone is not enough to win a Test match.
"Rishabh played a class knock in Sydney and Brisbane, but you couldn't have won that match without Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur. It takes 11 cricketers to build a Test and win it in the last session of the game, but it takes only 1 moment of foolishness to lose a Test," said Ravichandran Ashwin .
Ravichandran Ashwin slams 'once-in-a-generation player' argument
During the discussion, the host suggested that Pant's unique match-winning ability means he should be given greater freedom despite the risks involved. Ashwin, however, disagreed with using Pant's reputation as a reason to overlook questionable decisions in pressure situations.
Ashwin stressed that his criticism was specifically about the timing of Pant's aggressive choices and not his overall ability as a cricketer.
"I am just talking about the times when these chances are being taken when the game is on the line. I love Rishabh the player. It is about playing situations in this format. Sehwag and Gilchrist played high brand of cricket, but these two don't get edged out while dancing down to Marco Jansen when your team is trailing by 500 runs. Don't place these marketing lines in front of me ever again," he added.
Ravichandran Ashwin further argued that Pant's experience means he should now be held to a higher standard. He believes improving his decision-making could also help Pant return to India's all-format plans.
"Don't give one player special treatment. This once-in-a-generation player backing, then give it to everyone. Jaiswal is also such a player. All I'm saying, Rishabh, is that he is experienced; he has played 50 Tests. He needs to take responsibility. Don't come up with this 'once-in-a-generation' argument. It is because of his decision-making that he's not playing the other two formats. The day you tell him the truth, he will be an all-format player for India," said Ashwin.
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