28 Aug 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Rishabh Pant’s respectable return against Sri Lanka has not completely satisfied former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who believes the wicketkeeper-batter needs to do more than rely on the familiar argument that aggressive cricket is simply “how Rishabh plays.”
Pant Scores 168 Runs in Sri Lanka Series
Pant scored 168 runs in the two-match series, registering two half-centuries as India won the series 1-0.
While the numbers were encouraging, Ashwin felt Pant’s approach needs greater adjustment according to the match situation rather than automatically choosing high-risk options.
Ashwin Questions the ‘That’s How Rishabh Plays’ Defence
Ashwin was particularly critical of the repeated justification that Pant’s attacking approach should be accepted simply because it is his natural style.
He argued that a batter’s role should ultimately be determined by what the team needs at a particular moment, especially when the game is already under control.
Sehwag and Gilchrist Set the Benchmark
The comparison with Virender Sehwag and Adam Gilchrist highlights the standard Pant is being measured against.
Both former openers were renowned for aggressive batting, but their attacking styles were also built around consistently producing match-defining contributions. The expectation from Pant is therefore not simply to entertain with attacking strokes but to convert his ability into bigger, more decisive innings.
Pant’s High-Risk Approach Under Scrutiny
Pant has occasionally faced criticism for losing his wicket while attempting ambitious shots.
Ashwin’s comments suggest that the issue is less about asking Pant to abandon his attacking instincts and more about improving his judgment over when to take risks and when to preserve his wicket.
A Test Match Specialist for Now
Pant’s international role has also become more narrowly defined.
He is currently out of favour in India’s white-ball teams and remains primarily a Test player for the national side. That makes consistency in the longest format particularly important as India look to build their next generation of Test performers.
The Jansen Dismissal Still a Talking Point
Ashwin’s criticism also reflects earlier concerns about Pant’s shot selection.
During India’s Test against South Africa in Guwahati last year, Pant charged down the track against Marco Jansen and edged the ball to the wicketkeeper. The dismissal became another example cited in discussions about whether Pant sometimes takes unnecessary risks.
Talent Is Not the Question
There is little doubt about Pant’s ability to change a match.
His aggressive strokeplay, left-handed batting and ability to score quickly make him a unique asset. The bigger question is whether he can combine those qualities with greater situational awareness and consistency.
What Ashwin Wants From Pant
Ashwin’s message is essentially that Pant should retain his attacking identity while adding another layer to his game.
Instead of treating aggression as an obligation, Pant can assess the match situation, understand the team’s requirements and decide when an attacking option is worth the risk.
The Bigger Challenge
The comparison with Sehwag and Gilchrist raises the bar for Pant because both established themselves as destructive match-winners while also producing sustained results.
For Pant, the next step is to turn flashes of brilliance into performances that consistently shape the outcome of Test matches.