Gautam Gambhir Asked To Let Rishabh Pant Be Himself: ‘If Someone Plays A Shot & Gets Out…’

Deep Dasgupta advises Rishabh Pant to play fearlessly, not defensively, for success. Pant’s form and mindset are crucial for India in the Sri Lanka series.

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Deep Dasgupta advises Pant to play fearlessly.

Pant should not be defensive, play to his strengths.

Team management should support Pant’s aggressive style.

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Rishabh Pant hasn’t been at his best in recent times (Picture credit: AP)

Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has said that Rishabh Pant shouldn’t try and be defensive, which would impact his game, rather be fearless and go for his big shots, which would bring him more success and the Indian team management should support him in the same.

Pant has endured a tough spell on the field, losing his vice-captaincy in Tests to KL Rahul, who now serves as Shubman Gill’s deputy. It’s evident that the pressure has been mounting on the wicketkeeper-batter, with his frustrations spilling over during IPL 2026 when he dropped an ‘F’ bomb on live television while speaking to the broadcaster.

The recent warm-up match against the SLC XI ahead of India’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka further highlighted Pant’s uncertainty over his approach. In the first innings, he was dismissed after playing a rash shot early in his stay at the crease.

In the second, Pant appeared cautious before once again attempting an aerial stroke and returning to the pavilion.

“He should bat exactly the way he usually does. I remember a few matches back where he was overtly defensive. I would rather have him get out going for a six than getting out playing a forceful defence,” Dasgupta said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“Rishabh should get the freedom to attack and that is also his strength. Also, Sri Lanka’s spinners are predominantly left-arm spinners. So Rishabh being in form and having the right mindset is crucial for India in this series,” Dasgupta said.

The former India wicketkeeper-batter requested people not to make too much of batters getting out while attempting aerial shots as well, stressing that it comes down to a player playing to their natural strengths.

“This word responsibility is a complicated word. The viewers’ mindset is also strange: if a batter defends and gets out, that isn’t irresponsible. But if someone plays a shot and gets out, it becomes irresponsible,” Dasgupta said.

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Original source: https://www.news18.com/cricket/