Sunil Gavaskar explains his criticism of Rishabh Pant’s dismissal in the Melbourne Test

Sunil Gavaskar reacts to his fiery criticism of “stupid” Pant during the Melbourne Test.

Sunil Gavaskar recently explained his criticism of Rishabh Pant’s dismissal after a clip went viral on social media. The former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said that he is highly passionate about Indian cricket and then went on to explain his criticism of Pant when the latter got out while playing a falling flick shot off Scott Boland’s bowling in the Boxing Day Test against Australia.

Sunil Gavaskar explains his criticism of Pant’s dismissal in the Melbourne Test.

Gavaskar heavily criticised Rishabh Pant after he got out after playing a careless and reckless shot when India was in a spot of bother on Day 3. Gavaskar termed the shot “stupid,” saying Pant should not even bother to go inside the Indian dressing room. While commentating for ABC Sport, the clip of Gavaskar criticising Pant went viral on social media, drawing over 8.5 million views across all platforms. While giving figures, ABC’s Alison Mitchell said, “Viewed by 0.006 of India.”

Gavaskar’s criticism of Pant.

While commenting for ABC Sport on Day 4 of the Melbourne Test between India and Australia, Gavaskar explained his reasons for passionately criticising Pant. He said, “Honestly, this game has made me. Indian cricket has made me. So when I see somebody as talented as Rishabh Pant play that shot ….and I had no problems with the first shot he played. The reason why I got upset was the ego took over for the next ball. I’ve just been hit in the midriff attempting a similar shot. I’m gonna show the bowler who’s the boss. Test cricket is not easy.” He continued, “When he got out and got out at the other end …and I was always saying that they have got two fielders there in the deep. And this is a big ground it’s not easy to hit the sixes. You’ve got the fielders in the catching position. Deep square leg and deep fine leg. But when he got caught at third man with the edge.”

Lastly, Gavaskar said, “Yes, if he had connected and it had gone for a 6, I would’ve applauded the shot as well. But there you are, you get out, and it’s a fine line with the bat between being carefree and careless. And I thought he crossed that line.”