Sat Dec 28 06:10:10 UTC 2024: ## Gavaskar Slams Pant’s “Stupid” Shot in Melbourne Test

**Melbourne, Australia** – Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar unleashed a scathing critique of Rishabh Pant’s dismissal in the fourth Test against Australia, calling the shot selection “stupid” and questioning his batting position.

Pant, who had initially impressed with controlled batting, threw his wicket away for 28 after a top-edged shot found the fielder at third man. This followed a similar shot attempt just one ball prior. Gavaskar was particularly critical of Pant attempting the risky lap shot with fielders positioned at fine leg, square leg, and third man.

“Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! He should not be going into that (India’s) dressing room – he should be going into the other dressing room!” Gavaskar declared on ABP Sport radio. He further criticized Pant’s shot selection, stating it was unsuitable for Test cricket, especially given the lack of scoring opportunities and the need for a crucial partnership.

Gavaskar’s criticism extended to Pant’s batting position. He argued that Pant’s inconsistent performance, with a high frequency of dismissals between 20 and 39 runs and a low number of 50+ scores, makes him unsuitable for the crucial No. 5 position. “If he’s going to bat like this, he cannot bat at No. 5,” Gavaskar stated, suggesting a lower-order position would be more appropriate given Pant’s aggressive, yet unreliable, batting style. The former captain highlighted Pant’s tendency to prioritize aggressive shots over more conventional methods, leading to inconsistent results at the Test level. The incident left India needing a rebuilding partnership at a critical juncture in the match.

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