Indian legend smacks down star over moment that went too far
Virat Kohli has no issue with Rishabh Pant’s incessant chatter behind the stumps in Australia despite Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar’s reservations.
Pant’s chirping during the first Test at Adelaide Oval was picked up on the stump microphone, with Fox Sports’ commentary team taking the unusual step of falling silent and letting the keeper do their job for a short period of time.
Pant goaded striker Pat Cummins throughout an over from Ravichandran Ashwin on day five as India nervously charged towards a 31-run victory.
Stump mic on 🔊
It’s cricket like never before, no commentary in the whole over 😮 #AUSvIND #foxcricket pic.twitter.com/8R2nwVMa9W— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 10, 2018
“C’mon Pat, let’s see some sixes … not putting away bad balls here. No intent of winning this match,” Pant said.
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Mike Hussey, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne were among the Australians to praise Pant’s antics but Gavaskar, whose name adorns the trophy that Australia and India are battling for, wasn’t happy.
“I totally understand encouraging your own team but to say something like, ‘come on Pat’ and all that, I don’t agree with,” Gavaskar said on Indian TV station Sony Six.
“You shouldn’t be saying anything to the opposition. If you want, you can talk to your team.
“But directly saying something to a fast bowler … if the next pitch at Perth is quick, I am sure Cummins is not going to forget that.
“So far it hasn’t gone beyond (the line), but at times you tend to get carried away.”
Kohli, who was standing in close proximity to Pant at first slip, claimed not to have heard the wicketkeeper’s comments.
“I haven’t seen or heard what he said to Pat Cummins. I can’t hear what the stump mic is making people (hear),” the Indian skipper said on Thursday.
“I don’t think he ever crossed the line at any stage or used any swear words which I think is fine.”
Pant completed a world record 11 catches in the first Test, equalling the mark set by English gloveman Jack Russell and South African star AB de Villiers.