“Look ugly”: Sourav Ganguly reveals his HATE for Rishabh Pant’s BGT show

“Look ugly”: Sourav Ganguly reveals his HATE for Rishabh Pant’s BGT show

Former India Captain Urges Rishabh Pant to Adapt to Situations in Test Series Against England

Sunil Gavaskar’s Criticism

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has advised Rishabh Pant to adjust his playing style according to the situation in the upcoming five-match Test series against England. Pant, the wicketkeeper-batsman, has been under scrutiny recently, particularly for his shot selection. Gavaskar openly criticized Pant’s decision-making, labeling it as ‘stupid’, after a dismissive shot during the Boxing Day Test against Australia last December. Gavaskar emphasized the need for Pant to be more aware of the game’s dynamics and field placements before making risky shots.

Pant’s Recent Struggles

The criticism towards Pant intensified further after his inconsistent performance in the IPL 2025. Despite ending the season with a century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pant struggled to find form throughout the tournament, managing just 269 runs in 13 innings. With key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, Pant’s role in the Indian team has become even more crucial. The pressure is on him to deliver with the bat in the upcoming series against England.

Sourav Ganguly’s Advice

Adding to the advice, former cricketer Sourav Ganguly also shared his thoughts on Pant’s approach to the game. Ganguly highlighted Pant’s over-aggressive play during the previous season in Australia, urging him to be more cautious in the upcoming English conditions. Ganguly emphasized the importance of adapting to the circumstances and playing according to the demands of the game. He emphasized the need for Pant to show resilience and fight, rather than opting for risky shots.

Ganguly acknowledged Pant’s natural talent as a stroke-maker but stressed the importance of tempering that style with more strategic play. He urged Pant to focus on building a strong defense and to grind down the opposition rather than throwing away his wicket with reckless shots. Ganguly’s advice centered around the idea of being more calculated and disciplined in Pant’s shot selection, especially in challenging conditions where the ball might move unpredictably.

As Pant prepares for the upcoming Test series against England, the spotlight will be on his ability to adapt to different game situations and to showcase a more mature and strategic approach to his batting. The advice from former cricketers like Gavaskar and Ganguly highlights the expectations and challenges that Pant faces as he seeks to cement his position as a key player in the Indian team.

The Importance of Adaptability in Test Cricket

Test cricket is a format that demands patience, resilience, and adaptability from players. Unlike the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket or the strategic gameplay of ODIs, Test matches require batsmen to weather different conditions, bowlers, and game situations over long periods of time. For a young player like Rishabh Pant, who is known for his aggressive style of play, adapting to the unique challenges of Test cricket can be a significant learning curve.

One of the key aspects of success in Test cricket is the ability to read the game and adjust one’s approach accordingly. Unlike in limited-overs formats where quick runs are often prioritized, Test matches require batsmen to build innings, assess the conditions, and play according to the team’s needs. This is where Pant, with his flamboyant strokeplay, has sometimes struggled to find the right balance between aggression and caution.

Learning from Past Mistakes

It is essential for young players like Pant to learn from their past mistakes and incorporate feedback from experienced players and coaches. The criticism he faced after his rash shot in the Boxing Day Test against Australia should serve as a valuable lesson in decision-making under pressure. By taking the advice of seasoned cricketers like Gavaskar and Ganguly to heart, Pant has an opportunity to refine his game and approach Test cricket with a more mature mindset.

Moreover, Pant’s recent struggles in the IPL can also be seen as a learning experience. The challenges he faced in finding form during the tournament can provide him with valuable insights into his strengths and weaknesses as a batsman. By analyzing his performances and working on areas that need improvement, Pant can enter the Test series against England with a renewed focus and determination to succeed.

The Role of Mentors in Player Development

In the world of cricket, mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping the careers of young players. Having former legends like Gavaskar and Ganguly offer advice and guidance can be instrumental in helping Pant navigate the complexities of international cricket. Their wisdom, gleaned from years of experience at the highest level, can provide Pant with the tools he needs to succeed in the challenging Test arena.

By listening to the advice of his mentors and incorporating it into his game, Pant can not only improve his performance on the field but also mature as a cricketer. The process of growth and development in cricket is ongoing, and every opportunity to learn from past experiences and adapt to new challenges is essential for a player’s long-term success.

Looking Ahead

As Rishabh Pant gears up for the Test series against England, all eyes will be on how he applies the advice and lessons learned from his past experiences. The ability to adapt to different game situations, temper his natural aggression with strategic play, and showcase a more mature approach to batting will be critical for Pant’s success in the upcoming matches.

While the pressure is undoubtedly high on Pant to deliver consistent performances, the support and guidance of mentors like Gavaskar and Ganguly can serve as pillars of strength in his journey as a cricketer. By embracing the challenges that lie ahead and approaching them with a growth mindset, Pant has the potential to not only overcome his struggles but also emerge as a formidable force in the world of Test cricket.

Latest News