• Source:JND
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India vs South Africa Guwahati Test: Former selector Saba Karim spared no words in lambasting Rishabh Pant's shot selection, considering the skipper's decision-making "baffling" given India's shaky position against South Africa in the second Test.

Pant's latest innings has once again drawn attention to his penchant for impulsive decisions as his 7-run sojourn ended abruptly, leaving India in a dangerous position.

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The stand-in captain succumbed to a moment of boldness, attempting to launch a delivery down the ground, only to edge it softly to Kyle Verreynne, plunging India into further tumult.

“There’s no logical explanation for this,” Karim said on ESPNcricinfo.

“Perhaps for the first time in his Test career, even Rishabh Pant himself might struggle to justify that shot. It came right after tea, and as captain, he is expected to shoulder responsibility. He has enough experience at this level to show the way by coping with pressure and taking the blows," he added.

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India's first innings collapse exposed a chasm in execution and discipline as the hosts capitulated to 201, in response to South Africa's imposing 489.

“You can still play your own game, but that has to come with patience. Attempting a high-risk shot at that stage put the whole team in a difficult corner. India are now in a very tough position, and recovering from here will not be easy," Karim said.

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Now, India will need to restrict South Africa to as low a total as feasible in the second innings to keep their hopes of triumphing in the Test and finishing the series on a victorious note, especially after their heartbreaking defeat in the opening game.

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