Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar heavily criticized keeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his irresponsible batting in the second innings of the ongoing second Test match against South Africa in Johannesburg.

On day three, the Indian team was trying to build a healthy lead which would be enough for their bowlers to keep the Proteas batting under check. Despite a brilliant 111-run partnership between Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, the Indian team suffered yet another collapse and Rishabh Pant fell for a three-ball duck while going for a big shot coming down the pitch. He only ended up getting a nick to the wicketkeeper.

This left India reeling at 167/5 with Pujara having made 53 and Rahane making 58 runs. More was expected of Pant, who has previously also got out in similar situations going for unnecessary shots.

Sunil Gavaskar was not too impressed by the manner in which Rishabh Pant and rightfully slammed him while commentating on Star Sports.

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"You have got two new batsmen at the crease and then you saw that shot from Rishabh Pant. Forgettable, no excuses for that shot, no excuses. None of that nonsense about that being his natural game. There is supposed to be a bit of responsibility shown.

Because there are others taking the blows. There is guys like Rahane and Pujara who have taken it on their body. So you also fight it out. I tell you what, you won't get too many kind words in the changing room,” Gavaskar said on air.   

"That was clever batting, clever aggression. They were not looking to hit every ball, mind you. There were some awkward deliveries they had to face," said Gavaskar while praising the Pujara-Rahane partnership.

Kagiso Rabada did the damage with three wickets, while Olivier, Ngidi and Jansen picked one wicket apiece.

(Star Sports inputs)