Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has criticized Rishabh Pant’s shot selection against spin, stating that Pant needs to improve his batting quality, especially in the middle overs. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Rayudu also highlighted Ayush Badoni’s struggles against spin, making LSG’s middle order vulnerable to slow bowling.
Rayudu on Pant’s Approach
Rayudu pointed out that Pant often goes for sixes instead of focusing on singles and fours, which affects his ability to build an innings. He emphasized that if Pant wants to be effective in the middle overs, he must refine his batsmanship quality.
“We all talked about his shot selection against spin, he is going for that six option rather than playing a four or, you know, building an innings by playing gaps. That batsmanship quality needs to be improved in his game, especially in the middle overs if he wants to bat there. Once a captain gets out, you have Ayush Badoni, whose strike rate against spin is not great. It’s not a great batting lineup against slow bowling that LSG has.” – Ambati Rayudu (ESPNCricinfo).
Matthew Hayden & Piyush Chawla Also Criticize Pant
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden also criticized Pant’s approach, noting that he wasted six crucial deliveries despite the previous over going for 28 runs. Hayden stressed the importance of rotating the strike and keeping things simple.
“He wasted six balls as well. That’s batsmanship you’re talking about; it might out, especially when the previous over went for 28 runs. So the reality is just try to understand you’ve maybe got one or two balls, but then you gotta get off strike. And he’s surely good enough to do that. Just keep it simple.” – Matthew Hayden (ESPNCricinfo).
Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla added that Pant’s defensive technique was not ideal for T20 and ODI cricket. Chawla advised him to angle his shots for singles instead of defending straight, which would help his partner face the next ball.
“When he came into bat, he was just trying to defend the ball straight, and in T20 and ODI cricket, even the bowler is happy to give you one. If you just angle it a bit, you’ll get a single, and the fielder is already on the line, so if you just get off the strike, it becomes better for your partner.” – Piyush Chawla (ESPNCricinfo).
Pant’s Struggles in LSG vs DC Match
In his first match as LSG captain, Rishabh Pant struggled both with the bat and behind the stumps.
🔹 LSG posted a massive 210-run target for DC.
🔹 DC collapsed to 65/5 before Ashutosh Sharma’s unbeaten 66 led them to a thrilling victory.
🔹 Pant missed a crucial stumping opportunity, opting for a DRS review for LBW, which ultimately showed the ball had missed the stumps, allowing Delhi Capitals to survive.
With this loss, LSG’s performance under Pant’s leadership has come under scrutiny, particularly his decision-making and execution in crucial moments.