Rishabh Pant’s dismissal for 39 in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka has drawn criticism from former India batter Mohammed Kaif, who questioned the wicketkeeper-batter’s decision-making after he attempted an aggressive stroke when he appeared set for a bigger innings. Pant had spent considerable time at the crease before throwing away his wicket on the second day of the Test. Pant’s innings ended shortly after the second new ball became available following the completion of 80 overs.

With India looking to build a strong position, the left-hander charged down the wicket against debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha. Pant attempted to slog the delivery but could not control the shot, sending the ball towards wide long-off, where the fielder completed the catch. The dismissal was particularly notable because Pant had looked comfortable before attempting the attacking stroke. He had scored 39 and appeared capable of converting his start into a substantial contribution.

Instead, his decision to take on the spinner resulted in his departure at a stage when India could have benefited from another established batter at the crease. Kaif questioned Pant’s shot selection and argued that the batter needed to assess the match situation before committing to such a high-risk option. The former India player stressed the importance of calculating the risks involved, particularly when a batter is already well placed and has an opportunity to extend an innings. His comments reflected the wider scrutiny surrounding Pant’s aggressive approach.

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Pant has built his reputation in Test cricket around an attacking style that has frequently produced match-changing innings. His willingness to take risks has been an important part of his batting identity, but it has also occasionally resulted in dismissals that leave questions over whether the situation demanded greater restraint. In Galle, his attempt to attack Nuwantha once again brought that balance between aggression and game awareness into focus. The timing of Pant’s dismissal added to the frustration around the shot.

With the second new ball available, batting conditions and the match situation required careful assessment. Rather than waiting for an opportunity to score safely, Pant advanced down the track and attempted to clear the field, only to find a fielder at wide long-off. Kaif’s criticism comes as Pant continues to operate under significant scrutiny for his performances and batting choices. The wicketkeeper-batter remains one of India’s most influential Test players, particularly because of his ability to change the momentum of a match quickly.

However, his aggressive approach means that his dismissals are often examined closely when he fails to convert promising starts. The Galle dismissal therefore renewed the debate over whether Pant should occasionally temper his natural attacking instincts and calculate the risks more carefully. While his 39 was not without value, the manner of his departure left former players and observers questioning whether a more controlled approach could have allowed him to contribute significantly more to India’s total. Pant’s ability to find the right balance between aggression and situational awareness will remain an important talking point as the Test progresses.

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