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'Rishabh Pant Needs To Understand...': Rohit Sharma Brutally Attacks India Wicket-Keeper

Rishabh Pant pulled up by Rohit Sharma for rash shots [Source: @Samsoncentral, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Rishabh Pant pulled up by Rohit Sharma for rash shots [Source: @Samsoncentral, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

India cricket team captain Rohit Sharma took a direct jibe at Rishabh Pant, calling out his unwarranted dismissal in the fourth inning of the Boxing Day Test. The skipper opined that Pant needs to take more responsibility and understand the team’s requirements while batting in challenging situations.

India lost the fourth Test against Australia by 184 runs at Melbourne Cricket Ground with the host team taking 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Series. The Boxing Day Test saw many twists and turns but on Day 5, the visitors bottled an opportunity to draw the game due to untimely dismissals.

Rishabh Pant has been on the receiving end for his rash dismissals in both innings. In the first inning, he got out playing an awkward reverse sweep and had a similar embarrassing moment on Day 5 as well, leading to widespread criticism.

Rohit Sharma calls for maturity from Rishabh Pant

Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma reacted to Rishabh Pant’s dismissals and largely agreed with the public sentiment. He called for more responsibility and maturity from the wicket-keeper batter whilst also acknowledging the latter’s past brilliance.

"Everyone is disappointed about the result. He needs to understand what is required of himself rather than anyone telling him. In the past, he has given us a lot of success. As a captain, there’s a mixed reaction. We back when it comes off but when it doesn’t, is frustrating. There has to be a balance. As a captain it’s very hard to have conversation when it’s given him a lot of success," Rohit said (via News 18).

Rohit added that conversations regarding Pant’s approach in Test cricket have happened in the past but he needs to self realise his shortcoming rather than someone else taking that initiative for him.

"It’s just about the situation. If there’s risk-percentage, do you want to take risk? I know Rishabh for a long time and I understand his cricket. There have been conversations in the past. It’s not that he doesn’t understand what the team needs him. There’s a fine line between telling him what to do and what not do," he added.

The fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin from January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India must win the game to not only split the series but also keep the WTC final hopes alive.