'Don't give one player special treatment': Ashwin on Pant
Ravichandran Ashwin criticises Rishabh Pant's red-ball performance, citing poor decision-making and unfulfilled potential despite his talent.
Ravichandran Ashwin criticised Rishabh Pant's red-ball performance after the Sri Lanka Tests, citing poor decision-making and unfulfilled potential despite his talent. Ashwin rejected arguments that Pant deserves special treatment as a once-in-a-generation player.
Pant hit two fifties in the series that India won 1-0, aggregating 168 runs from three innings at an average of 56. Ashwin said Pant needs to take more responsibility and that it takes only one moment of foolishness to undo good work.
The criticism comes as Pant's Test career continues to divide opinion between those who see occasional brilliance and those who want consistent decision-making. Ashwin's comments reflect a senior player's view that talent alone does not justify inconsistent output.
CricHubb Take
Ashwin's public criticism signals that India's next Test era will value consistent decision-making over occasional brilliance, with senior players setting that standard rather than waiting for selectors to enforce it.