'He should be given a break' - Madan Lal on Rishabh Pant after his rash shot in Johannesburg Test

India's wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant was severely criticized for his irresponsible shot during the third innings of the second Test in Johannesburg. In just his third ball, he went charging down the wicket, only to get a faint edge, which carried to behind to the keeper.

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Like several other cricket experts and former cricketers, the former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal lashed out at the keeper-batter for his lack of match awareness. While speaking to Aaj Tak, he felt that Pant needs to be given a break. The 70-year-old even went on to say that the youngster needs to decide how he wants to bat in the longest format of the game.

"He should be given a break. And you have someone like Wriddhiman Saha. He is a sensible batsman. He is a very good wicketkeeper. But Pant has to decide how he wants to bat in Test cricket," said Madan Lal.

:If there is some doubt in his mind, it is better to give him a break. He is a match-winning player, but you cannot bat like this. You have to bat for the team and not for yourself," he added.

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It is to be noted that India were cruising at 155/2 in the third innings of the Wanderers Test, and Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane got to their respective half-centuries. However, a fiery spell by the Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada ensured that both of them got out in a span of 12 balls. Post which, the lead bowler of the hosts dismissed Pant for a three-ball duck, and reduced the visitors to 167-5.

Hanuma Vihari, with the help of the lower middle-order, ensured India get to 266 on the board. While the Proteas had to chase 240, they came out positively and didn't look like they were under any sort of pressure. Thus, they ended up chasing the score, and their captain Dean Elgar remained unbeaten on 96.