‘That’s why Sunil Gavaskar got upset’ – Manoj Tiwary on Rishabh Pant’s tendency to play unusual shots

The poor play of Rishabh Pant continues to be a concern for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), despite the team enjoying a respectable season. Thus far, the LSG captain and most costly player in the IPL has not shown any consistency in the competition.

The Gabba Hero, the 2024 T20 World Champion, has been under fire for his poor performance in the competition, scoring just 106 runs in eight games at an average of 15.14. Manoj Tiwary, a former Indian cricket player and IPL 2012 winner, is among the experts and commentators who have criticised him. He pointed out that the 27-year-old ought to try playing more traditional cricket and mentioned how legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar once became irate with him while speaking.

“That is the type of player that Rishabh Pant is—he is incredibly talented. Even though he doesn’t have to, he goes ahead and plays a reverse sweep. That’s why Sunil Gavaskar became agitated during the Border-Gavaskar series’ Test series. He is aware of Pant’s immense talent and his ability to score runs in straight-bat cricket. How come he doesn’t do that? “Why does he choose the unusual?” This was stated by Manoj Tiwary.

Virat Kohli is the best person for him to learn from, according to Manoj Tiwary.

In addition, Manoj Tiwary remarked that the daring batsman-wicketkeeper can take a cue from players like Virat Kohli on how to get better at the game. He should learn how to construct his innings like the great batsman and not worry about strike rate at all.

If anyone should teach him, it should be Virat Kohli. In the 50-over format, Kohli did not play at a strike rate of 100 when he first entered the international scene. He took his time, occasionally scoring only five runs in ten balls and other times scoring seven, but he continued to extend his innings. Pant needs to just take a moment to do that. With your eyes, it could not appear that the match is 20 overs, so you feel pressured to go all out and get it done fast. But in a T20 innings, there are 120 balls,” Tiwary said.