Che, Aug 29:
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the description of Rishabh Pant as a “once-in-a-generation” player, arguing that the flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter must show greater situational awareness and responsibility in Test cricket.
Ashwin’s comments came after Pant’s performance in India’s recent Test series against Sri Lanka, where the left-hander scored 168 runs, including two half-centuries.
While Pant remained an important part of India’s batting plans, his aggressive approach and shot selection once again attracted scrutiny.
Ashwin stressed that Pant’s ability was not in question. Instead, he argued that exceptional talent must be accompanied by better decision-making.
The former spinner said Pant needs to understand the circumstances of a match and determine when to attack and when to defend.
According to Ashwin, a player can possess extraordinary ability but still hurt the team’s chances through an unnecessary shot at the wrong moment.
He particularly questioned the tendency to play aggressive strokes after getting set at the crease.
Ashwin’s criticism comes at a time when Pant is firmly established as India’s preferred wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket.
Pant has already produced several memorable performances for India, particularly in overseas conditions, and his attacking style has frequently changed the course of Test matches.
However, Ashwin argued that the same attacking instincts need to be controlled according to the demands of the situation.
He pointed out that Test cricket requires a different level of concentration because one careless moment can undo hours of hard work.
Ashwin’s remarks therefore represent less a criticism of Pant’s talent and more a call for greater accountability from a senior player.
Pant has now played more than 50 Tests and is no longer viewed as an emerging youngster within the Indian side.
With India entering another important phase of its World Test Championship campaign, the team will need Pant’s attacking ability as well as his experience.
The challenge for Pant will be to retain the fearless style that has made him one of India’s most exciting batters while adding greater discipline to his shot selection.
Ashwin’s blunt assessment has reignited the debate over whether Pant should be given greater freedom or held to the same standards of consistency and responsibility expected from India’s other senior players.