In the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2022 against Pakistan, former cricketers Wasim Akram, Gautam Gambhir, and Ravi Shastri questioned Indian left-handed batter Rishabh Pant's shot selection, leading to his early departure at a vital point in the first innings at Dubai International Stadium.
Rohit Sharma and K.L. Rahul launched into a 54-run opening stand after being forced to bat first. Virat Kohli scored the game's highest run with 60 off 44 balls, smashing four fours and a six as they resumed their aggressive attacking strategy. India scored 181/7 in 20 overs, but the remaining hitters, including Pant, fell fast in an effort to score big.
Pant, who was left off the field for the Group A encounter against Pakistan because Dinesh Karthik was chosen instead, was selected for the starting lineup on Sunday instead of the seasoned keeper-batter. Before Shadab Khan's reverse-sweeping delivery straight to backward point, Pant struck two fours in his 14 off 12 balls.
In the social media footage that have surfaced, Rohit is seen approaching Pant as soon as he entered the locker room and questioning him why he took the shot that resulted in his dismissal. Additionally, Pant was seen giving the India captain an explanation of why he chose to take that shot.
Gambhir expressed his displeasure about Pant's ejection on Star Sports after the game. "Rishabh Pant will be frustrated since it isn't his shot; instead, he probably hits it over long-on or deep in the middle of the wicket. If you end up hitting there and getting out, you can take it because that is your strength. You don't have reverse-sweeping strength."
Akram shared Gambhir's opinions. "There was no reason to play that shot at that point in the game, especially for Gauti (Gambhir). Although he is one of the best players in the world and I am aware that he uses that shot in Test cricket, it wasn't necessary at this point in the game."
Pant hadn't learned from the kind of shots played by Rohit, Rahul, and Kohli, Shastri pointed out. Shastri had drilled Pant about the significance of making the right shot choice as India's head coach.
"Especially in light of what he observed Rohit, Rahul, and others to be doing. Where did the runs originate? It was in the V and at ground level. Hats go to the groundskeepers for a wonderful pitch where the ball was skidding onto the bat. He can hit it, and that is his strength. Rishabh Pant can cross any boundary if he connects it; however, that is his territory. Absolutely correct (about the criticism of the shot choice)."