IND vs AFG 2026: ‘He didn’t have much gas left in the tank’ - Saba Karim analyses Rishabh Pant’s dismissal

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim believes Rishabh Pant’s dismissal on Day 2 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan was caused more by fatigue and dehydration than by poor shot selection, after an otherwise impressive innings of 81. Pant, who was removed as India’s vice-captain ahead of the series with the responsibility handed to KL Rahul, appeared to be in complete control during his knock.

However, his innings came to an end on 81 from 121 deliveries when he miscued an attacking shot and was caught at mid-off off a delivery from Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Karim said he was surprised by the manner of Pant’s dismissal, noting that the left-hander had looked comfortable and in command for most of his stay at the crease.

“I was expecting a big knock from Rishabh Pant because he seemed to be in control, despite that outside edge for which no review was taken. However, I felt that an over before his dismissal, he was beginning to loss energy. He didn’t seem to have too much gas left in the tank. He requited some treatment from the physio, and I think he was getting dehydrated. So, perhaps it was a lapse in concentration more than anything else,” said Karim in JioHotstar.

Pant engages in hearty moment with Afghanistan subsitute

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Pant engages in hearty moment with Afghanistan subsitute

Karim also pointed out that the shot was uncharacteristic of Pant, who is generally known for his calculated aggression despite his attacking reputation. Pant’s innings played a key role in India’s first-innings total of 564/8 declared, helping the hosts strengthen their grip on the match.

“Rarely do you see Rishabh Pant go for a big shot when both long-on and long-off are stationed on the boundary. He was simply trying to accelerate but did not get the right ball to play that shot. Because, whenever he decided to go big, he is usually very decisive with his footwork and the deliveries he chooses to attack,” said Karim.

India won the toss and elected to bat first, with KL Rahul scoring 100 and Shubman Gill making 126. Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar also chipped in with half-centuries, helping India post a commanding total. For Afghanistan, Mohammad Saleem Safi was the standout bowler, claiming 6/140.