India vs South Africa: Rishabh Pant out for naught on Day 3 of 2nd Test© AFP
Team India had left for one Great start to the third day of the second test As an experienced pair against South Africa in Johannesburg Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane Batting fluently to form a century partnership to extend the tourists’ lead. Both Pujara and Rahane batted under extreme pressure but scored their half-centuries against a strong pace attack from South Africa. But their good work came undone as Kagiso Rabada sent the two back to the pavilion in quick succession.
Rahane contributed 58 runs and was caught behind while Pujara was dismissed lbw for 53 by Rabada’s in-cutter. India were suddenly under pressure of 163/4 and all eyes were on the pair of Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant to take a 200-run lead.
But the Indian wicket-keeper batsman decided to chase Rabada without losing time on the wicket and lost his wicket in the process. Pant charged Rabada, but the paceman bowled a short delivery and Pant’s attempt to bat on the ball gave him a lackluster lead, which got stuck behind the wicket, as the southpaw went off for a duck.
Pant has often scored important runs for the team with his slam bang style of batting but he has also lost on several occasions. Former India captain and great batsman Sunil Gavaskar lashed out at Pant for playing such an irresponsible shot.
“No excuse for that shot. There’s absolutely no bullshit about this one, about your natural game. There has to be some sense of responsibility. People like Rahane have taken the blow. People like Pujara have taken it on their bodies, So you too fight it out,” said an angry Gavaskar on commentary.
He further added that even in the dressing room there will be no “kind words” for Pant. India were down 167/5 at the time of Pant’s dismissal, with an overall lead of 140 runs.
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South African bowlers suffered further damage as Lungi Ngidi sent back Ashwin, who was again looking good with the bat.
India went to 188/6 for lunch, leading by 161 runs.
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