'No excuse for that' - Sunil Gavaskar lambastes Rishabh Pant for reckless shot in Johannesburg

The ongoing second Test between India and South Africa has been an engaging contest so far. Just when one team seems to have the advantage, the other team manages to comeback in the game. While the first half of the first session saw India dominate, courtesy to half-centuries by Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, the second half of the session saw the Proteas bowlers picking a flurry of wickets.

While the visitors did have a batting collapse, the wicket of Rishabh Pant is what managed to draw everyone's attention. The keeper-batter charged at Kagiso Rabada on just his third ball, only to get a faint catch. The Proteas keeper Kyle Verryne then made no mistake, and ensured that he held on to the catch, which meant that India's keeper-batter had to go back to the pavilion.

His shot drew a lot of criticism, and several experts felt that it was irresponsible on the 24-year-old's part to throw his wicket in such an absurd manner. Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was absolutely unimpressed with Pant as well. He openly criticized him for playing such an irresponsible shot

"No excuses for that shot. Absolutely no-nonsense about his natural game about this one. There has to be some sense of responsibility. Guys like Rahane have taken the blows. Guys like Pujara have taken it on their body, so you also fight it out," said Sunil Gavaskar on commentary.

The 72-year-old went on to say that there won't be having "any kind words" for the aggressive player. During his dismissal, India were reduced to 167/5, and were leading the hosts by 140. However, a composed knock by Hanuma Vihari (40*), alongside a little support from the lower middle-order ensured that India get to a respectable total.

At the end of the third innings, the Rahul-led side managed to score 266. Thus, the Proteas now have to chase 240 in order to win the game, and level the series.