Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant is once again facing severe criticism for losing his wicket needlessly by playing an irresponsible shot against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 16, Monday, at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
In the 64th match of the ongoing IPL 2022, Pant played a poor shot and was stumped by Jitesh Sharma off Liam Livingstone for just 7 runs off three balls on Monday.
After hitting a six off his second ball against Liam Livingstone, the left-handed batsman, who came out to bat at number five, once again attempted to hit the big shot, as he danced down the track.
But the England all-rounder understood his trick and bowled a fast one, which Pant missed and was stumped by Sharma.
DC went on to win the match by 17 runs against PBKS, but Pant was criticized by former cricketers including Aakash Chopra, RP Singh, and Naman Ojha for his irresponsible shot against Livingstone.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Chanel: “There are some decisions which I don't understand. Lalit Yadav was sent up the order, why? Rishabh Pant, you come to bat. He (Yadav) played 21 balls for 24 runs. You (Pant) have to bat, you hit a six and are left dumbfounded on the next ball. Ego actually came in the way because a lot of overs were left. You wanted to hit Liam Livingstone out of the stadium.”
Meanwhile, Pragyan Ojha told Cricbuzz: “He is an established batter. He is being looked at as an option for future (India) captaincy, someone who can be a match-winner for the Indian team for a long time. Who is match-winner? Hitting 4 sixes off 4 balls is not being a match-winner. Match-winner can build an innings, and takes responsibility too. So Pant let off a golden opportunity. Livingston was brought into the attack only to get Pant out. PBKS didn't care even if he had gone for six sixes.”
RP Singh stated: “Your ego is more important or winning the match? The momentum had already shifted towards PBKS. You can't blame Lalit Yadav, he is a youngster but Pant should have taken more responsibility. Livingstone set a trap and he fell right into it. He is not an established bowler. He was playing with his temper. He forced Pant into an ego battle.”
He signed off by saying, “Yes, as captain he (Rishabh Pant) should have definitely taken more responsibility. Viewers enjoy these mini battles in a match but DC suffered because of this. He had already hit a six in the over so the next shot was not on. Pant hasn't played any match-winning knock in IPL 2022 so this was his opportunity. It was a crucial time and there are a lot of expectations from a captain in these situations.”
