Watch: Rishabh Pant calms himself to avoid reckless shot after Sunil Gavaskar's 'stupid' criticism

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant had a light-hearted moment on Day 5 during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Pant was seen gesturing to himself to avoid playing a reckless shot after legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar's criticism of his shot selection in the first innings.

Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 28 runs in the first innings of the Boxing Day Test. His reckless shot selection led to widespread criticism, with Sunil Gavaskar calling it "stupid." Pant decided to take on Scott Boland and attempted a lap shot over fine leg but top-edged the ball into the hands of Nathan Lyon.

Watch: Rishabh Pant Calms Himself to Avoid Reckless Shot

After facing criticism from Sunil Gavaskar for his reckless shot in the first innings, Pant focused on calming himself to avoid playing reckless shots. Meanwhile, Travis Head tempted Pant with wide deliveries outside the off-stump, attempting to draw him into another poor shot.

Have a look at the incident right here:

pic.twitter.com/x2wDTzs2xV

— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) December 30, 2024

Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal Help India Play Without Losing Wicket in Second Session on Day 5

Pant and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal helped the team play without losing any wickets in the second session on the fifth day. The home team scored 79 runs off 27.5 overs in the post-lunch session. India was at 112/3, with Pant and Jaiswal at the crease. India needs 228 runs to win from 38 overs.

The wicketkeeper-batter scored an unbeaten 28 runs off 93 balls with the help of two fours. Pant played at a strike rate of 30.11, which is lower than his standards. Jaiswal added 63 runs off 159 balls with the help of seven fours. For Australia, Pat Cummins secured two wickets, while Mitchell Starc took one.

Rishabh Pant Is the Prisoner of His Own Image - Deep Dasgupta

Former India player Deep Dasgupta shared his thoughts on Rishabh Pant's inconsistent performance in international cricket. Pant has shown promise with starts but hasn't been able to convert them into substantial scores during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

Deep expressed concern about Pant's over-aggressive approach, mentioning that he tries to dominate the opposition. He pointed out how Pant had been batting well in the first innings but was disrupted by two risky shots against Scott Boland, leading to his dismissal.

“Rishabh Pant is the prisoner of his own image. He tries to be over aggressive and thinks that he has to dominate the rivals. Pant was batting so well in the first innings but those two shots against Scott Boland rattled him.

“He missed the first one but was out on the second. Pant has looked comfortable in the middle but hasn’t got scores to back it up. The positive thing about him that he doesn’t have negativity in him,” Deep Dasgupta said.

Also read: Watch: Temba Bavuma walks off despite being not out, stuns SA camp, helps Pakistan in 1st Test