Indian cricket fans erupted in frustration on social media platforms after wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant played what many described as a 'brainfade' shot during the crucial second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. The incident has also drawn significant criticism toward head coach Gautam Gambhir, with supporters questioning his influence on the team's decision-making.
The Costly Dismissal That Changed the Game
On the third day of the ongoing Test match, with India needing stability after losing three quick wickets, Pant decided to charge down the track against South African pacer Marco Jansen. The left-hander, who is serving as stand-in captain in the absence of regular skipper Shubman Gill, attempted an aggressive slog that resulted in a thick edge straight to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.
The timing of Pant's dismissal couldn't have been worse. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Dhruv Jurel had all fallen within the span of just three overs, making Pant's rash shot selection particularly puzzling. The 28-year-old even wasted a review before heading back to the pavilion in visible disbelief, leaving India in a precarious position.
Social Media Erupts With Criticism and Memes
Almost immediately after Pant's dismissal, social media platforms became flooded with reactions from disappointed cricket enthusiasts. One user perfectly captured the sentiment, writing: "Rishabh Pant tried to be Travis Head but eventually ended up being Travis tail. Captain of Indian team? Gautam Gambhir another disaster."
The Travis Head comparison stems from both batters' reputation for playing attacking cricket across all formats. However, while the Australian has often made this approach work in high-pressure situations, Pant's execution failed miserably at a time when the team needed composure.
Former South African pace legend Dale Steyn, who is currently working as a commentator in the series, also expressed his disapproval of Pant's approach, adding professional weight to the growing criticism.
Historical Context and Record-Breaking Moment
The incident brought back memories of Sunil Gavaskar's famous 'stupid, stupid, stupid' rant during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, highlighting how veteran cricketers and fans alike have little patience for irresponsible shot selection in Test cricket.
Meanwhile, Pant's dismissal marked a significant milestone for South African wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, who became the fifth South African to reach 100 dismissals in Test cricket. He now joins an elite group that includes Mark Boucher (553 dismissals), Quinton de Kock (232), David Richardson (152), and John Waite (141).
The backlash against Gambhir reflects growing concerns about his coaching influence, particularly regarding the team's batting approach in pressure situations. As the Test match continues, all eyes will be on how the Indian team management addresses these concerns and whether Pant learns from this expensive mistake.
