Rohit Sharma urges Rishabh Pant to take responsibility after losing fourth Test

Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, expressed his frustration with Rishabh Pant’s dismissals in the fourth inning of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Rohit called for more responsibility from Pant, stressing the need for him to understand the team’s requirements while batting in difficult situations.

India lost the fourth Test by 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Australia taking a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Series. Despite several twists and turns in the match, India missed the opportunity to draw on Day 5 due to a series of untimely dismissals, with Pant being a major contributor to the downfall.

Pant faced criticism for his reckless shots in both innings, especially in the first innings when he was dismissed after attempting an awkward scoop. On Day 5, Pant repeated his mistake by playing a rash shot off Travis Head, leading to widespread criticism for his approach.

In response, Rohit Sharma agreed with the public sentiment and emphasized that Pant needs to take more responsibility. While acknowledging Pant’s past contributions, Sharma noted that a balance is required between aggressive batting and team needs.

"Everyone is disappointed about the result. He needs to understand what is required of him rather than anyone telling him. In the past, he has given us a lot of success. As a captain, there’s a mixed reaction. We back him when it comes off, but when it doesn’t, it’s frustrating. There has to be a balance," Sharma said.

The captain added that conversations about Pant’s approach have taken place before, but he needs to self-reflect on his shortcomings rather than waiting for others to tell him.

"It’s just about the situation. If there’s risk-percentage, do you want to take a risk? I know Rishabh for a long time and I understand his cricket. There have been conversations in the past. It’s not that he doesn’t understand what the team needs from him. There’s a fine line between telling him what to do and what not to do," Sharma added.

India now faces an uphill task in the fifth Test, which will begin on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India must win the match not only to split the series but also to keep their hopes alive for the World Test Championship Final.