The former Indian off-spin all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, has offered a sharp critique of the stand-in Test captain of the Blue Brigade, Rishabh Pant, for the second Test of the two-match series against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The hosts faced a massive 408-run defeat to be whitewashed twice in three attempts.

Speaking on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat, the former Indian spinner praised Pant’s natural ability and reckoned that his reckless shot selection would continue to let the team down at the crucial moments. He looked back at how Pant used to increase the heartbeat of the all-rounder.

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“My heartbeat used to go fast in the dressing room when Rishabh Pant batted. He has a superb game and defense, so I always wonder why he would get out to shots like these. I will still say he is a very good player, and the day he takes responsibility, things can start changing. I don’t deny the X-factor he brings.” Ashwin expressed in the video.

Ravichandran Ashwin slams Rishabh Pant’s shot selection in IND vs SA 2nd Test

The Chennai-born highlighted a few aggressive batters of the past and how they used to smash the bowlers around the park, but even they also had a second mode of batting in crunch situations, which Pant has lacked in the longest format. In four innings of the South Africa series, the southpaw was deceived multiple times due to his overaggression.

“Astle once smashed 200-odd runs, but he didn’t play the same way in every Test. Similarly, batters cannot play the same way every time. I have said it in the dressing room, but it cannot change until he realizes it. If you are a captain today, 10 others will follow in your footsteps. Responsibility is a must.” Ashwin added in the video.

“I wasn’t sad about losing the Test, but there was no fight. In the dressing room, everyone should raise their hands individually and take accountability.” The former Indian off-spinner concluded by adding that the current Test side would remain way behind in terms of experience and would take time to evolve.