Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar did not hold back his frustration over Rishabh Pant’s dismissal during Day 3 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While commentating for the host broadcaster, Gavaskar called Pant’s shot selection “stupid” after the wicketkeeper-batter attempted an unorthodox scoop shot against Scott Boland.

Fall of Rishabh Pant on Day 3 of the MCG test

Pant’s dismissal for just 28 runs came at a crucial moment in India’s first innings of the Boxing Day Test, leaving the team in a precarious position. Pant, who started the day batting on six, looked unsettled early in his innings. He narrowly escaped being caught twice in the slip cordon and survived two near run-outs due to miscommunication with Ravindra Jadeja. However, just when Pant appeared to have settled, he decided to scoop a full-length delivery from Boland behind the keeper. The misjudged shot resulted in a top edge, and Nathan Lyon took a straightforward catch at deep third man. Gavaskar expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that the shot not only showed poor judgment but also put the team in further trouble.

Sunil Gavaskar’s harsh criticism of Pant’s reckless shot

Gavaskar minced no words during his commentary, repeatedly labeling Pant’s shot as “stupid” and criticizing his lack of situational awareness. Gavaskar further dismissed the argument that such a shot was part of Pant’s natural game, insisting it was a reckless decision that let the team down.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid! “You’ve got two fielders there, and you still go for that. You missed the previous shot. And look where you have been caught. You have been caught at deep third man. That is throwing away your wicket. Not in the situation that India was in, you have to understand the situation as well. You cannot say that’s your natural game. I’m sorry. That’s not your natural game. That is a stupid shot. That is letting your team down badly!” Gavaskar fumed during the commentary.

Adding to the sting, Gavaskar suggested Pant should avoid the Indian dressing room altogether. “He should not be going in that dressing room. He should be going to the other dressing room,” the former Indian captain remarked, leaving co-commentator Harsha Bhogle visibly taken aback. Gavaskar’s strong words underscored his frustration with the batter’s shot selection, particularly in a high-pressure situation where India was already trailing by a significant margin.

Here’s the video:

“Stupid, stupid, stupid!” 😡

🏏 Safe to say Sunny wasn’t happy with Rishabh Pant after that shot.

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— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) December 28, 2024

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Sunil Gavaskar explains why Mohammed Siraj should be dropped from the upcoming 5th Test

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar shine after top-order collapse

Pant’s dismissal was followed by the departure of Jadeja, leaving India reeling at 244/7 by lunch. However, the day took a positive turn for India, thanks to an unbeaten partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar. The duo added unbeaten 105 runs for the eighth wicket, stabilizing India’s innings and keeping them in the contest.

At Tea, Reddy remained unbeaten on a gritty 85 off 119 balls, showing remarkable composure and resilience. Sundar, too, played a steady hand, contributing 40 not out as India reached 326/7 before bad light and drizzle interrupted play. The pair’s effort brought India closer to narrowing the first-innings deficit, offering a glimmer of hope after a shaky start.

Reddy’s impressive knock included some elegant shots and a confident approach, earning him accolades from commentators and fans alike. His determination stood in stark contrast to Pant’s rash dismissal earlier in the day, highlighting the importance of temperament in Test cricket.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Irfan Pathan and Sunil Gavaskar blast Australian media for Virat Kohli’s criticism

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