Rishabh Pant continues to perform below expectations: Ex India star

SL vs IND: Ravichandran Ashwin said Rishabh Pant must judge Test situations better despite scoring 168 runs in Sri Lanka. His remarks come as India head into tougher World Test Championship fixtures after a 1-0 series win.Pant scored 168 runs in India's two-Test series against Sri Lanka. (Photo: AP)Rishabh Pant's numbers from India's Sri Lanka tour may suggest a productive two-Test series, but former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the wicketkeeper-batter still has plenty to improve. Ashwin has questioned Pant's decision-making and urged him to put the demands of the match ahead of his reputation as an ultra-aggressive player.Pant scored 168 runs across the two Tests, including two half-centuries, but his shot selection remained a talking point. Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said Pant's performances had not yet met the standards he expects from an established Test player.SL vs IND 2nd Test Day 5: Highlights"My expectation from Rishabh Pant hasn't been fulfilled till now. I am very sorry. Sonal Dinusha had his strike rate up there. But the difference is high-risk options. When you have the game in your hand, these are all statements, 'That's how Rishabh plays.' It is about what your team needs," Ashwin said. The former India spinner was particularly critical of the argument that Pant should be allowed to play without being questioned because of his unique style and impact. Ashwin believes Test cricket demands a sharper reading of the match situation, especially when the stakes are high."Rishabh played a class knock in Sydney and Brisbane, but you couldn't have won that match without Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur. It takes 11 cricketers to build a Test and win it in the last session of the game, but it takes only one moment of foolishness to lose a Test," he added. Ashwin's broader argument is that Pant's talent is not in question, but the way he applies it can determine whether he becomes consistently decisive in all conditions. He also rejected the idea that Pant's aggressive approach should be treated as beyond scrutiny simply because it has produced memorable innings in the past.RISHABH PANT'S MIXED SL vs IND PERFORMANCEPant's 168 runs included half-centuries, but his Sri Lanka campaign also featured a late blow when he retired hurt after being struck on the wrist by Lahiru Kumara in Colombo. He returned to the crease on Day 2 and immediately produced an aggressive response, including a six.Ashwin, however, believes Pant must become more responsible in situations where the team needs stability rather than an attacking gamble."I am just talking about the times when these chances are being taken when the game is on the line. I love Rishabh the player. It is about playing situations in this format," he said."Don't give one player special treatment. This once-in-a-generation player backing, then give it to everyone. Jaiswal is also such a player. All I'm saying, Rishabh, is that he is experienced, he has played 50 Tests. He needs to take responsibility."Ashwin also drew comparisons with Virender Sehwag and Adam Gilchrist, two of Test cricket's most destructive attacking batters, arguing that aggression still needs to be shaped by the situation."The day you tell him the truth, he will be an all-format player for India," Ashwin said.INDIA'S WTC TASK GETS TOUGHERIndia emerged from Sri Lanka with a 1-0 series victory after winning the Galle Test, but the drawn Colombo match cost them the chance to take another win from the two-Test assignment. Their remaining World Test Championship campaign now carries greater importance as they look to build enough results for a place in the final.India's next WTC assignments come in New Zealand before a five-Test series against Australia. The pressure on the side will only increase as the competition progresses, making Ashwin's call for greater situational awareness particularly relevant for senior players such as Pant.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Aug 28, 2026 11:55 IST