WTC Final | The only issue with Rishabh Pant is always going to be his shot selection: Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar believes the only issue with Rishabh Pant is always going to be his shot selection.

Pant was dismissed while playing away from the body for only four runs in the first innings against New Zealand in the WTC Final which was played at Ageas Bowl, Southampton

Pant’s aggressive approach came under the scanner after he was dismissed for 41 runs in the second innings. The left-hander was charging the fast bowlers on regular intervals but could not make the connections he was looking for. Pant decided to continue playing the big shots and he was dismissed by Trent Boult as Henry Nicholls took a fine catch in the point region.

In fact, Pant was seen playing the reverse sweep and the scoop shots, which were not the need of the hour for the Indian team as they were already on the backfoot.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has shown great maturity in his game in the last few months but he was a tad more aggressive in his approach in the WTC Final as he played some unnecessary shots. Pant should learn to bat according to the match situation as he has the skills to turn the game on its head with his pugnacious batting.

Gavaskar feels there is a thin line between carefree and careless and the Indian wicket-keeper batsman has often breached that line.

“There is a thin line between carefree and careless. Pant has at times breached the line of carefree and careless,” Gavaskar said during commentary on Wednesday.

“A couple of times he went for a big hit when he was in the 90s and missed an opportunity to score a hundred. The only issue with Pant is always going to be his shot selection; otherwise, he has got the defence, got all the shots and technique,” he added.

Rishabh Pant will need to bat according to the match situation and he has definitely grown in confidence in the last few months. Pant is going to hold the key for the side in the coming series against England.