Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has come out in support of Rishabh Pant following widespread criticism of his reckless dismissal for a duck on Day 3 of the ongoing second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.
On Wednesday, January 5, Pant got out for 0, trying to hit a charged-up Kagiso Rabada out of the Wanderers Stadium by skipping down the pitch on just the third delivery of his knock, and paid a heavy price. The left-hander’s poor dismissal led to heavy criticism, but Manjrekar found it totally unfair.
Pant has so far scored 8, 34, 17, and 0 in the first two Tests of the ongoing three-match Test series in South Africa. Reacting to his irresponsible shot, Manjrekar said that Pant’s high-risk approach to cricket is the reason for his success, so it’s unfair to call him "being rash or carefree".
Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo: “This is a guy who, in a short career, has played two great Test innings - one against England, one against Australia. This is how Rishabh Pant plays. This is not him being rash or carefree.
When you get those exciting results from him, and if you accept that, then you have got to accept this as well. This is one of the occupational hazards with his batting approach.”
Notably, India is aiming to secure the Test series 2-0 in Johannesburg and win their first-ever Test series in South Africa, however, the hosts would not make it easy for the tourists, as they have notched up 118/2 on Day 3 and need 122 runs to level the series 1-1.
