Published By: Sayan Guha

BGT 2024/25: Why Rishabh Pant’s Batting Magic is Faltering Against THIS Fiery Aussie Quick?

Credit: The Cricket Lounge

Three dismissals, one bowler, and a riddle Pant is yet to solve in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

At the end of a rain-affected Day 3 in Brisbane, India is perched on the precipice of a cliff, chasing a massive Australian first-innings total of 445. With the scoreboard displaying 51/4, the visitors trail by 394 runs. KL Rahul (33*) and Rohit Sharma (0*) remain defiant, but the damage has been done. Mitchell Starc's venomous deliveries grabbed two Indian wickets, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood adding one each.

Rishabh Pant was among those who fell, having been rejected yet again by Pat Cummins. Pant's struggles against the Australian captain have become a recurring theme in this series, and India cannot afford it.

Before this series: A matchup yet to bloom

Coming into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant against Cummins was a hotly contested match. Before this series, Pant faced Cummins for 141 balls in 11 innings, collecting 91 runs while never succumbing to him. The southpaw's free-spirited stroke play appeared unaffected by Cummins' pace and accuracy.

However, this series has altered the script. Pant has scored only 22 runs off Cummins in five innings, falling three times. Each dismissal was individual in execution but strangely similar in its sequence of faults.

The slip-up in Perth

Pant c Smith b Cummins 37 (45.5 ov)

November 22, 2024 – First Test

The first domino fell in Perth. In the first innings, Pant tried a flashy flick to Cummins' full ball on middle stump. The face of his bat closed too soon, resulting in an edge that flew straight to a jumping Steve Smith at second slip.

It was a perfect example of playing over the line when going straight was the safer option. Cummins' ability to entice the batter into taking a risky shot paid off. Pant stepped back, leaving India reeling at 121-7.

The vicious viper in Adelaide

Pant c Labuschagne b Cummins 21 (32.5 ov)

December 6, 2024 – Second Test (D/N)

Under the lights in Adelaide, Cummins unleashed a stinging delivery that had "unplayable" written all over it. Back of a length, the ball sprang up like a snake, shooting poison off the pitch. Pant, caught on the back foot, was unable to ride the bounce.

The ball hit his bat's shoulder and flew to the gully, where Marnus Labuschagne made an easy catch. Cummins, who had appeared to be subdued until that point, sprang back into action. Pant's attempt to defend against a rising delivery once again revealed his Achilles' heel.

The Brisbane breaker

Pant † c Carey b Cummins 9 (13.5 ov)

December 14, 2024 – Third Test

If Adelaide was about bounce, Brisbane was about nuance. Cummins sent a length ball slanted across Pant, pitching in the centre and seaming away just enough to kiss the edge. Alex Carey caught Pant behind the stumps as he attempted a hesitant forward defence.

Cummins' accurate seam movement and Pant's lack of footwork led to their expulsion. The wicket left India reeling at 44/4, a proverbial nail in an already fragile innings.

Similar threads: Patterns of dismissal

A deeper look at the three dismissals finds a few notable similarities:

Lack of defensive assurance: Pant's defensive intent against Cummins has frequently been half-hearted. His front defence lacked conviction in all three dismissals, leading to edges.

Trouble with movement: Whether it's the away seam in Brisbane or the crisp bounce in Adelaide, Pant has struggled with late-breaking deliveries. His balance in the crease has been problematic, resulting in mistimed or edged strokes.

Risk over restraint: Pant's inherent aggressive inclinations frequently collide with the requirement for patience. His dismissals demonstrate a proclivity to play across the line or get caught on the back foot rather than taking a more conservative approach.

Pant's strategy must change if he wants to prevail against Cummins. Playing straight, focussing on footwork, and taking unnecessary chances early in his bat may help him weather Cummins' storm. Adapting his style to counter Cummins' discipline might be critical to reviving his series and salvaging India's hopes in this Test.