Dale Steyn slams Rishabh Pant for shocking brain fade shot

By Harshit - Nov 24, 2025 07:09 PM
Last updated on Nov 24, 2025 07:09 PM

The second Test in Guwahati turned into a dramatic chapter for India as the team struggled to hold ground against a disciplined South African attack. Under immense pressure on Day 3, the responsibility fell heavily on stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, who walked in with expectations towering over him. India had already lost four early wickets, and the stadium felt the weight of uncertainty as Pant took guard with the innings precariously placed.

What unfolded over the next few minutes, however, shocked fans, experts, and the dressing room. Pant, known for his fearless batting approach, survived only eight deliveries. His seven-run cameo came to a painful end when he attempted a risky slog immediately after the tea break, leaving India in deeper trouble and igniting a wave of criticism. As the South African players celebrated, the moment left the Indian camp stunned and searching for answers.

The dramatic dismissal revived memories of Pant’s earlier impulsive shots that drew widespread scrutiny, especially during key series. Fans watching the game were reminded of the times when he was accused of throwing his wicket away at crucial moments, and the echoes of criticism seemed to get louder with each replay of the stroke.

India’s Collapse and Pant’s Untimely Exit

The morning session of Day 3 set the tone for what became a difficult innings for India. KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Dhruv Jurel all fell in quick intervals, leaving India tottering. With South Africa’s first-innings total of 489 looming large, the onus shifted to Pant to steady the innings and rebuild from the wreckage left by the top order.

Unfortunately for India, Pant’s approach did not reflect the situation. Facing Marco Jansen early in the second session, Pant charged down the track trying to clear the infield, only to edge the ball to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. The umpire raised the finger instantly, yet Pant opted for a review, hoping for a reprieve. The decision stood, and India sunk further into trouble as Pant walked back in disbelief. His dismissal marked a turning point, pushing India further away from the South African lead.

Verreynne’s catch, meanwhile, etched his name in the history books as he entered the list of South African keepers with 100 Test dismissals. The rare achievement added another layer to an already eventful day in Guwahati, as the Proteas continued to make strategic advances.

Comparisons, Criticism, and the Debate on Shot Selection

Pant’s dismissal reopened conversations about his unpredictability with the bat. His aggressive instinct often leads to brilliant knocks, but it has also resulted in premature exits that leave the team exposed. Critics quickly pointed out the risky nature of the shot, especially at a time when India desperately needed a composed partnership. Many recalled past matches where Pant faced backlash for similar decisions, suggesting his judgment continues to waver under pressure.

Fans, pundits, and former cricketers discussed whether the lack of senior batting partners affected Pant’s approach. With Shubman Gill absent and the lineup already rattled, Pant may have attempted to seize momentum quickly. However, the shot ended up being labeled unnecessary and avoidable, leading to a tidal wave of criticism both online and on commentary panels.

The moment also led to comparisons with previous instances when Pant’s aggressive instincts clashed with match situations, including key Test series where experts urged him to adjust his style. The Guwahati Test now adds another entry to that long-running debate.

Dale Steyn’s Sharp Reaction and Global Attention

Among the many reactions that surfaced, former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn’s remark gained significant traction. Calling Pant’s shot a clear case of a brainfade, Steyn echoed the frustration that many Indian fans felt. His straightforward criticism amplified discussions worldwide, illustrating how pivotal the moment appeared in the broader context of the Test match.

Steyn’s comment also highlighted a recurring concern—Pant’s tendency to oscillate between brilliance and recklessness. When he succeeds, he can turn matches around single-handedly. But when he falters, the consequences often leave India scrambling. Analysts emphasized the need for better judgment, especially when leading the side and carrying additional responsibility.

Pant himself appeared stunned as he left the field. The reaction spoke volumes about his awareness of the mistake, and it reflected the internal conflict players face when balancing aggression with tactical discipline.

South Africa’s Dominance and India’s Mounting Pressure

South Africa entered this Test with confidence, carrying momentum from strong performances in earlier matches. Their first-innings total of 489 featured standout knocks from Senuran Muthusamy and Marco Jansen, whose partnership put India under immense strain. With the ball, their disciplined lengths forced repeated mistakes from the Indian lineup.

India’s innings began brightly, thanks to a solid opening stand of 65 between Jaiswal and Rahul. But once Rahul fell to Keshav Maharaj, the slide began. Jaiswal’s fifty offered some stability, but his dismissal triggered a chain reaction. Sudharsan and Jurel departed soon after, leaving Pant and the middle order exposed before the lunch break.

By the time Pant walked in, the pitch demanded patience and calculation. Instead, the attempted slog added to India’s woes, leaving the team at a precarious stage from which recovery seemed increasingly difficult.

Aftermath, Learnings, and the Road Ahead

India’s performance in Guwahati raised important questions about temperament, adaptability, and leadership under pressure. With key players missing and the batting order unsettled, the team relied heavily on individuals rising to the occasion. Pant’s dismissal, unfortunately, became the defining moment of the innings, overshadowing the efforts of India’s bowlers and the resilience shown earlier in the match.

The Test also served as a reminder of the fine margins that shape long-format cricket. One moment of impulsiveness can shift momentum entirely, and in this case, it allowed South Africa to tighten their grip on the contest. As India prepares for the next challenge, shot selection and strategic clarity will be central talking points in the dressing room.

For Pant, the journey ahead offers a chance to reset, recalibrate, and prove once again why he remains one of India’s most dynamic talents. His ability to bounce back has never been in doubt. What fans and experts now seek is consistency, especially in high-pressure situations where leadership and composure matter most.

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