While the second Test between South Africa and India is shaping up to be an absolute cracker, India's wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was out in a rather irresponsible manner on day three. While the visitors were in a difficult situation, the keeper-batter charged down the wicket to deposit the ball into the stands, only to get a faint edge that carried to the opposing keeper.
As a result of his dismissal, several fans and experts criticised him, as well as his shot. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir was among them, and he appeared to be unimpressed with him. He slammed Pant, believing that the keeper-batter should have fought the situation rather than simply throwing his wicket away.
“The easier thing to do is to keep sledging someone and the toughest thing is what you have to face when you have a bat in your hand. I would have liked Rishabh to probably fight in that situation rather than stepping out and going for a big one,” said Gambhir on the post-stumps show.
While criticising the 24-year-old, the former Indian opener added that this was not the way to play the game's longest format. He then cited Proteas captain Dean Elgar as an example and urged the youngster to learn from him. He then complimented the 34-year-old as well.
“Disappointment is a very, very understated word to be honest because this is not how you should play Test cricket. Test cricket is about learning a lot from Dean Elgar and that’s the reason I have said that a lot of young Indian batters can learn a lot from Dean Elgar as well because when you play against world-class bowlers, they are not going to give you easy runs,” he said.
Following the dismissal of the left-hander in the third innings, Hanuma Vihari and the lower-middle order ensured that the Rahul-led side reached 266. As the hosts need 240 runs to win the second Test and tie the series, they reached 118 for the loss of two wickets and need 122 more runs to win.
