Scrutiny a constant, X-factor Rishabh Pant now crafting Pant 2.0

“Stupid, stupid, stupid,” screamed Sunil Gavaskar on air when Rishabh Pant’s ill-advised scoop attempt against Scott Boland led to his dismissal in the first innings of the Melbourne Test. Thankfully, Gavaskar wasn’t on the air when Pant threw his wicket away in the second innings—a moment that triggered a collapse and dashed India’s hopes of salvaging a draw. While the veterans in the dressing room were contemplating a draw on the final day, it was Pant’s conviction and fearless strokeplay that helped India chase down 328 and script history. Chasing a stiff fourth-innings target, India lost seven wickets in the final session, with Pant’s dismissal widely regarded as the turning point.