Following a disappointing performance in the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rishabh Pant took drastic measures to recalibrate his approach to the game. The young wicketkeeper-batsman, known for his aggressive style, found himself under immense scrutiny after a reckless shot led to his dismissal in a crucial moment of the match.
Pant's dismissal in the first innings, where he attempted a falling ramp shot, drew sharp criticism, most notably from former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who described the shot as "stupid, stupid, stupid!". Gavaskar's scathing remarks quickly went viral, adding to the pressure on the young cricketer. Facing Scott Boland in the 56th over, Pant tried to scoop the ball but inside-edged it onto his stomach, leading to his fall. He repeated the shot on the next delivery, resulting in a top-edge to Nathan Lyon at deep third man, ultimately getting him out for 28 off 37 balls.
Realizing the need for a change, Pant took a unique form of self-imposed punishment. According to a report in the Times of India, he uninstalled WhatsApp from his phone and switched it off, only turning it on when necessary to contact someone. This digital detox was a conscious effort to disconnect from the outside world and focus on his game.
The criticism stemmed from Pant's shot selection, which was deemed irresponsible given the match situation. While Pant's aggressive strokeplay has often been praised, his dismissal at the MCG highlighted the fine line between aggression and recklessness. Former players and experts weighed in on the debate, with some defending his natural game and others emphasizing the need for adaptability.
Even former India head coach Ravi Shastri defended Pant’s approach while also acknowledging the need for adaptation. Shastri said that Pant had gotten good deliveries in previous innings and that it wasn’t every time he was throwing his wicket away.
Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, also weighed in on Pant's dismissal, stating that Pant needs to understand what is required of himself. While acknowledging Pant's past successes with his aggressive approach, Rohit emphasized the importance of assessing the risk percentage and playing accordingly.
Months later, a video surfaced showing Pant lightheartedly mimicking Gavaskar's "stupid, stupid, stupid" commentary, indicating a willingness to learn from the criticism. Despite the setback, Pant remained a valuable asset, becoming the most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction, with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquiring him for a record-breaking ₹27 crore.
Pant's journey reflects the challenges faced by young cricketers who must balance their natural instincts with the demands of Test cricket. While his aggressive approach has brought him success, the incident at the MCG served as a wake-up call, prompting him to re-evaluate his shot selection and mental approach to the game. By taking such drastic steps, Pant demonstrated his commitment to improvement and his determination to live up to his potential.
