VVS Laxman, legendary Indian batsman, and cricket pundit lashed out at the young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant for lack of concentration on the crease after his poor dismissal on Day 1 of the first Test of the four-match Test series against Australia in Adelaide on Thursday (December 6).

The 21-year-old made the good start with the willow in Australia, as the left-hander notched up 25 runs from 38 balls with two boundaries and one six in the first innings.

However, Pant was looking to score more and convert his start to a big total, as he went after anything and everything served by the Australian bowlers, but Delhi lad missed on quite a few occasions, eventually went down by leg-spinner Nathan Lyon’s delivery.

Meanwhile, Laxman was not pleased the way he played, as he believes that Pant was not able to control his thoughts and was not completely focused on his game while batting that led him to lost his wicket.

Laxman told ESPNcricinfo, “It is about focus and concentration, and when Pant was playing, it was evident that he was not able to control the thoughts, which were going in his mind. You can’t be in that space of mind and be restless, especially in this situation. I’ve played with and against some of the best. Moreover, some of them has been phenomenal stroke-players.”

He signed off by saying, “You go out and play your natural game, but it’s very important that the natural game should be in line with what the team demands from you. You can’t afford to get out every time, playing your natural game. Pant is young in his career but has to realize that he has to play as per the demands of the team. Play your natural game, but play high percentage strokes.”

(With ESPNcricinfo Inputs)