Rishabh Pant’s Risky Shot Sparks Fresh Debate… Why Fans Are Calling Him the ‘Nick Kyrgios of Cricket’

Rishabh Pant has built much of his Test career by doing things few batters would dare to attempt. His audacious strokeplay has produced unforgettable innings for India, but the same instinct can also leave supporters wondering what might have been.

That debate returned during the first Test between India and Sri Lanka in Galle, where Pant was dismissed for 39 after attempting an aggressive shot against off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha. The manner of his dismissal triggered criticism on social media, with one comparison in particular grabbing attention — “Nick Kyrgios of cricket.”

The comparison with Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios appeared to be aimed at the combination of extraordinary natural talent, entertainment value and the frustration fans sometimes feel when that talent does not translate into the result they expect.

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For Pant, however, the bigger question is not whether he should stop attacking. It is whether he needs to become more selective about when he attacks.

Pant Resumes on 27 After Long Rain Delay

Pant had ended the opening day unbeaten on 27, with India strongly placed at 288/2. He returned to the crease alongside centurion Devdutt Padikkal on Day 2, but persistent rain delayed the start of play for several hours.

Once the match resumed, the conditions presented a fresh challenge.

Pant was expected to negotiate the early period carefully, but Sri Lanka’s spinners continued to test him. Nuwantha, in particular, appeared willing to give the ball flight and invite the left-hander into an aggressive response.

Eventually, the temptation proved too much.

With Pant on 39, he advanced down the pitch and attempted to hit the off-spinner over the top. The shot did not come off as intended, and Sonal Dinusha completed the catch after moving in from mid-off.

It was an attacking dismissal — something that has become almost inseparable from Pant’s identity as a Test batter.

But this time, plenty of supporters were not impressed.

‘Nick Kyrgios of Cricket’ — Fans React to Pant’s Dismissal

Social media reaction quickly focused on Pant’s shot selection.

Some supporters argued that opposition bowlers are increasingly aware of Pant’s tendency to attack spinners and are deliberately trying to lure him into high-risk strokes.

Others questioned whether the wicketkeeper-batter needs to show greater patience when match situations demand it.

The comparison with Nick Kyrgios was particularly striking. The Australian tennis star has long been recognised for his flair, shot-making and ability to produce spectacular moments, while also attracting debate over whether his career fully reflected his considerable talent.

The comparison is ultimately a fan opinion rather than an objective assessment of Pant’s career, but it captures the frustration surrounding his latest dismissal.

Is Pant’s Greatest Strength Also Becoming His Weakness?

This is where the discussion around Rishabh Pant becomes complicated.

Asking Pant to completely abandon his attacking instincts would make little sense.

His willingness to challenge bowlers is precisely what has made him one of India’s most dangerous Test batters. Where conventional batting sometimes allows a bowler to settle into a rhythm, Pant has the ability to disrupt plans within a few deliveries.

That unpredictability is part of his value.

But there is a difference between controlled aggression and unnecessary risk.

When Pant’s unconventional shots work, they can completely change the momentum of a Test match. When they fail — particularly when he is already set — questions inevitably emerge over whether the risk was necessary.

Against Sri Lanka, Pant had survived the opening period and reached 39. A longer partnership with Padikkal could have placed even greater pressure on the hosts.

Instead, Sri Lanka found an opening.

Gautam Gambhir Also Enters the Conversation

Interestingly, not every supporter placed the blame entirely on Pant.

Some fans on social media questioned whether India head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management have attempted to alter Pant’s natural approach.

The debate has followed Pant since his struggles during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when his shot selection became a major talking point. According to the India Today report, Gambhir had spoken with Pant about controlling his tempo during that period.

Finding the right balance therefore remains the challenge.

India do not necessarily need a defensive version of Pant. They need the explosive Pant who can recognise when the match situation demands patience — and when it is time to attack.

Padikkal Ensures Pant’s Failure Does Not Hurt India Too Much

Fortunately for India, Pant’s dismissal did not derail the innings.

Devdutt Padikkal continued his outstanding performance and converted his overnight century into a magnificent 167 off 230 deliveries. India eventually reached 460/9 at stumps on Day 2, with Dhruv Jurel also contributing an important 51.

That meant Pant’s 39 did not prove especially costly on the scoreboard.

But individually, it represented another missed opportunity.

On a day when Padikkal demonstrated the value of converting a start into a match-defining score, Pant departed just when he appeared capable of doing something similar.

The Pant Paradox Continues

Few players in modern cricket generate discussion quite like Rishabh Pant.

His supporters will argue that removing the risk from his batting would remove the very quality that makes him special. His critics will counter that experience should eventually bring better decision-making, particularly in Test cricket.

Both arguments contain some truth.

Pant does not need to become a conventional Test batter. But at this stage of his career, shot selection and game awareness will increasingly determine whether promising starts become memorable hundreds or frustrating dismissals.

The comparison with Nick Kyrgios may be exaggerated, but it reflects the emotion Pant creates among supporters.

With Pant, something extraordinary always seems possible.

The frustration begins when an extraordinary innings appears to be building — only for one risky shot to bring it to an abrupt end.