Rishabh Pant’s Day 1 Tactics Criticized by Kumble & Chopra in 2nd South Africa Test

‘ODI field has been set’: India legend questions Rishabh Pant’s tactics on Day 1 of second South Africa Test

Former India cricketers Anil Kumble and Aakash Chopra have raised questions about Rishabh Pant’s mindset as captain and his tactical decisions on Day 1 of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati.

India vs South Africa – Guwahati, Barsapara Stadium

With regular skipper Shubman Gill sidelined due to a neck injury, Rishabh Pant led the Indian side as they faced South Africa in the ongoing multi-format series. After winning the toss, South Africa chose to bat first.

Pant’s captaincy came under scrutiny from cricketing legends during commentary. Aakash Chopra remarked on the unusual field placements, saying,

“There is a fielder at mid-wicket, a long-on as well, and no short leg. What is the plan here? Even guesswork would fail because when have we ever seen Ryan Rickelton dance down the track and play over the top against spin? Is this field set for a short-ball burst? We need to rethink how modern-day Test captaincy works.”

Meanwhile, Anil Kumble added:

“On the leg side, an ODI field has been set. It’s only the first session of Day 1, and even then there’s a deep square leg, long-on, and deep midwicket.”

South Africa post 156 by lunch

South Africa got off to a strong start. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram scored 35 and 38 runs respectively, setting a solid platform. Middle-order batsmen Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs added 36* and 32* by lunch. By the break, the Proteas had amassed 156 runs, putting India on the back foot early in the game.