Ravi Shastri issues a warning to Rishabh Pant: Details here
What's the story
Ever since Rishabh Pant sealed his spot in the Indian team, he has been at the receiving end, be it for his wicket-keeping or his batting. The just-concluded tour of Windies also saw him come up with a below-par performance, especially with the bat. Meanwhile, Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has warned him that his recklessness would have consequences. Here is more.
No silly mistakes
There will be a rap on the knuckles: Shastri
Shastri said that Pant has the freedom to play his game. However, playing reckless shots hereon would lead to him being questioned. "Because you are letting the team down, forget letting yourself down. In a situation where you have the captain at the other end, a target to chase, the need of the hour is sensible cricket," said Shastri to Star Sports.
Shot-selection
Shastri backs Pant to improve his shot-selection
Meanwhile, Shastri said that Pant needs to improve his shot-selection, besides other aspects like 'reading the situation and match-awareness', which could make him unstoppable. "It could take one game, it could take four games. He has played so much IPL cricket, he will learn. It's time now for him to step up and show how devastating he can be," Shastri asserted further.
Performance vs Windies
Pant failed in ODIs and Tests against Windies
Considering Pant's performance in Windies, he was decent in the T20Is, scoring 69 runs in three matches, at an average of 34.50. However, he failed miserably in the ODIs, scoring just 20 runs in three matches at an average of 10. In Tests too he failed to fire as he scored 58 runs in two matches at a poor average of 19.33.
Quote
Kohli expects Pant to read game situations well
"The only expectation from Rishabh is that he read situations well. We don't expect him to play the way you might be thinking. It is about analyzing a situation and dealing with it in your own way," said Kohli to Star Sports.
Keep it simple
Kohli urges Pant to keep things simple
Kohli said that Pant wants to hit boundaries even in difficult situations, rather than keeping things simple. The captain expects him to play as per the situation of the game and has the same expectation from all. "Everyone has their own game, but reading the situation and decision-making is an expectation from everyone in the team, not just Rishabh," Kohli said.
Author's take
Pant would be unstoppable if he plays responsible cricket
It is no secret that Pant is an immensely talented player, and he has given the glimpse of it in multiple matches. However, it is his decision-making skill that is pulling him down. On the same note, the author firmly stands with Shastri and Kohli's claim that he should play as per the game situation, and then he would become unstoppable indeed.