Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes that Rishabh Pant’s run-out at the stroke of lunch on Day 2 of the third Test of the ongoing five-match series between England and India altered the complexion of the game. Pant was dismissed for 74 off 112 after attempting a rapid run and falling inches short of the crease.
Gavaskar felt KL Rahul and Pant worked effectively together in the 141-run fourth-wicket stand till the wicketkeeper-batter was run out on the third delivery of India’s first innings’ 66th over.
“That was the biggest turning point of the game. Both hitters were performing admirably. It was like a fire and ice combo. Rahul was all calm and precise, playing measured strokes, while Rishabh Pant added power and punch, putting pressure on England’s bowling attack. It was a fantastic combination, and then, just in the last hour before lunch, the run-out changed everything,” Gavaskar said in an interview with India Today.
Gavaskar also believed that the impact of Rishabh Pant’s run-out would have weighed heavily on Rahul’s psyche, prompting his exit shortly after the half.
“Yes, we made it to 100 runs after lunch, but a run-out like that sticks with you. Maybe that’s why, after the hundred, there was only a minor lapse – a shot that got Rahul out. So, in a short period of time, India lost two experienced batters. “Suddenly, two new batters had to step in and form a partnership from scratch, which is never easy,” he said.
India ended up scoring as many as the hosts in their first innings (387) before falling 22 short of what would have been a victory for the ages. Shubman Gill & Co. currently trail the English by a match and would be keen on drawing level in the fourth red-ball clash to be played at Old Trafford.
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