Former cricketers Wasim Akram, Gautam Gambhir and Ravi Shastri have questioned India’s left-handed wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s choice of shot during their Asia Cup 2022 Super Four loss to Pakistan, which resulted in his dismissal during a crucial period.

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Pant hit two fours during his short stay at the crease to score 14 off 12 balls before reverse-sweeping straight to backward point off Shadab Khan. Videos on social media had indicated Rohit questioning Pant on his shot selection after he returned to the dressing room. Pant could be seen providing an explanation to the India skipper.

On Pant’s dismissal, Gambhir said, “Rishabh Pant will be disappointed because that’s not his shot, his shot is probably hit it over long-on or deep mid-wicket, you end up hitting over there and get out, absolutely you can take it because that’s your strength. Your strength is not reverse-sweeping.”

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Akram agreed with Gambhir’s views, adding “Especially, Gauti (Gambhir), at that stage of the game, there was no need to play that shot. I know he plays that shot in Test cricket, I know he is one of the top players in world cricket but in this stage of the game, that shot wasn’t required.”

Shastri pointed out how Pant failed to lean from the type of shots played by Rohit, Rahul and Kohli. “Particularly after what he saw Rohit, Rahul and others were doing. Where were the runs coming? It was down the ground and in the V. It was a beautiful pitch, hats off to the groundsmen, the ball was skidding onto the bat. That’s his strength, he can smack it. No boundary is big for Rishabh Pant if he connects it, but that’s his area. Absolutely, right (on criticism over shot selection).”

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