‘Every other day, our views and opinions about him change,’ Gavaskar says of the bright India cricketer
Sunil Gavaskar, the former India captain, is not one to mince words when it comes to pointing out obvious mistakes, and the 24-year-old Indian player is no exception.
Sunil Gavaskar, the former India captain, does not mince words when it comes to calling out egregious blunders. He’s done it before with some of cricket’s biggest names, including Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and even Virat Kohli. When a batsman messes up the basics, whether it’s racing between the wickets, not giving the bowler the first hour, or playing risky strokes, the renowned Gavaskar is quick to point it out.
Rishabh Pant, an Indian cricketer, is the subject of the most controversies when it comes to reckless shots, primarily because of his shot selection. Pant was dismissed twice during India’s tour of South Africa, once in the second Test at Johannesburg and once in the third ODI at Cape Town.
However, the wicketkeeper batter has shown indications of adapting to the circumstances of the game, as evidenced by his century in Cape Town and an 85-run performance in Paarl. Pant’s erratic attitude has prompted Gavaskar to comment, advising the teenager to cultivate the habit of taking his time before going for big hits.
“We’re all aware of his capabilities. Every day, we all have different perspectives and ideas on him. He can play a blinder of an innings one day and then play a stroke that makes you wonder the next. But I have a feeling that Rahul Dravid will sit him down and tell him what a fantastic talent he is down the road. And all he has to do is take a break in the middle, as he did in Australia “On Sports Today, Gavaskar stated.
India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, has stated that he and the team management planned to speak with Pant about his shot selection. Gavaskar pointed out that Dravid needs to speak with Pant now, before it’s too late, citing Pant’s heroics in Australia in early 2021 as an example. This, in turn, can instill a sense of responsibility in Pant and his batting.
“The reason we bring up the Australia Tests is that after scoring 96 in Sydney and 89 in Brisbane, he took his time and only then began to go for the big strokes. This is due to the fact that it becomes easier. You’re aware of the pitch’s movement, your feet are moving, and your gaze is fixed. And with all those shots, even if he scores zero off ten deliveries, he can score 16 in the next four “Gavaskar added.
“That is his capability, which is why Rahul Dravid must now sit down with him and tell him some hard truths. When you bat at No. 4, this is what you can anticipate. We’re not looking for a strike rate of 300; we’re looking for a strike rate where you’re sending the team home. He’s done it before, and he’ll do it again. With that kind of talent comes a small sense of wanting to accomplish even more for the team.”