Pressure got the better of Rishabh Pant when his team needed him at his absolute best as a captain. On Saturday, Delhi Capitals were up against Mumbai Indians in a do-or-die clash. A win would have been enough for Delhi to progress to the playoffs. However, Pant failed to guide his troops over the winning line. Pant made a huge blunder as a captain that really played a big role in Delhi’s crushing five-wicket loss at the hands of the five-time champions.
Chasing 160, Mumbai were in all sorts of trouble in the 15th over when they were reduced to 95 for 3. The Mumbai batsmen were struggling to score runs at a good pace and Delhi were looking set to clinch the clash. However, the game took a huge turn in that same over when Pant decided against taking a review. On his very first ball of the innings, Tim David edged the ball behind the stumps. Delhi players appealed for caught behind but the on-field umpire gave his decision in the favour of the batsman.
With two reviews left, taking a review at that stage of the game looked like the best option. Pant, however, decided against it only to realise it soon that he was wrong. Pant was seen shaking his head in disappointment after the replays on the giant screen confirmed that David had indeed edged the ball. David then went on to play a match-winning cameo. The hard-hitting batsman slammed 34 off just 11 balls with the help of 2 fours and 4 sixes to completely change the course of the game.
He also shared a 50-run stand off just 20 balls with Tilak Verma as Delhi paid a huge price for their captain’s blunder. By the time Delhi managed to dismiss David, the equation was down to 15 off 14 balls before Ramandeep Singh finished the job for Mumbai on the first ball of the 20th over.
Rishabh Pant slammed on social media:
Rishabh Pant has been facing severe criticism for his captaincy blunder against Mumbai Indians. Fans and experts have slammed the young captain for his decision to not review the umpire’s decision. While some just criticised him for his blunder, few fans went as far as saying that he should be sacked as Delhi’s captain. Some angry fans even suggested that Pant should never be considered for a captaincy role in the Indian team.
Here are some of the reactions to Rishabh Pant’s blunder:
5 overs left. Two reviews in hand for Delhi. MI's last recognised batsman at the crease & Rishab Pant refuses a review which proved to be out.
What was he saving the review for, his retirement! This could save RCB's season!— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) May 21, 2022
Rishabh Pant should be given an honorary Infosys offer letter by Bangalore.
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) May 21, 2022
I feel sorry for Rishabh Pant. 2 Reviews left and 5 overs to go and they let Tim David get away. Delhi Capitals blew it.
But that’s cricket. Hard luck.
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) May 21, 2022
5.3 overs and 2 reviews left. Why would you not take it? You don't need people to convince also. You have nothing to lose other than a review. Why captaincy is important in T20s. This is also another dimension. #MIvsDC
— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) May 21, 2022
I use to rate @RishabhPant17 higher as a captain until this match. Disappointing stuff. Reviews are there to use it period.#IPL2022 #DCvsMI
— Mukul Pankaj Mani (@mukul_pankaj) May 21, 2022
Rishabh Pant completely bottled under pressure. Dropped a sitter, chose not to review when he had 2 left to a nick which was clearly caught on stump mic. Once again, a knockout game lost. Once again, major reason is Rishabh Pant the captain
????— Amartya Choudhary (@AmartyaChoudha1) May 21, 2022
Nitin Menon must be laughing at Rishabh Pant. Last time Pant was calling the umpires blind.
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 21, 2022
A reminder that Tim David was out for a golden duck but Rishabh Pant decided not to review it. This has single handedly costed Delhi Capitals a playoff spot.
— ` (@FourOverthrows) May 21, 2022
5 overs left and 2 reviews in the bag and u decided not to take it. One can be a good batsman or bowler but to be a good captain he must have common sense. @RishabhPant17 is lacking common sense. I would not consider him for #captaincy even for a backyard cricket.
— Masoom (@Masoom_ladka27) May 21, 2022
Rishabh pant should never be in the mix for captaincy for Indian team. No way a player can get so many decisions wrong in a single game.
— Suman (@Unitedfan08) May 21, 2022
If Rishabh Pant has shame and wants a successful career as a batsman, he better leave captaincy and stop thinking about ICT captaincy too. Just not made for it.
— Adish Shetty (@36__NotAllOut) May 21, 2022
Resign from captaincy now, Rishabh Pant.
Leave Delhi Capitals and never return.— Shivam Bahuguna (@JanusBlinked) May 21, 2022