Rain restricted play on Day 2 of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka at Galle, with only 43 overs possible. India had resumed at 288 for two, but the day proved costly, as the team lost seven wickets in a few hours to finish at 460 for nine. Rishabh Pant's innings ended in controversial fashion during this collapse.
The India wicketkeeper faced only four deliveries after Sri Lanka took the second new ball. Debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha was introduced immediately after 80 overs had been completed, and Pant responded by attempting an aggressive stroke down the wicket. The shot went to the fielder at wide long-off, and Pant departed for 39.
Kaif, the former India cricketer, expressed concern about Pant's approach to the new ball in Test cricket. The dismissal raised questions about shot selection at a critical juncture when the batsman should have been cautious and allowed the new ball to settle.
"I have no complaints about the way Rishabh Pant got out. He plays only like that, but the complaint is about common sense. It was the first over with the new ball. He jumped three times in that over. Common sense means to play the cut shot. See the new ball for five to six overs. This is the Test match tradition. Whoever plays like him also uses common sense," Kaif said on Sony Sports.
"I was surprised that he jumped on the first ball (of the over). One needs to calculate a little. Even if a batter is on 150, he also plays out a few balls when the new ball comes. I am cutting a few marks there. He was left way behind in logic and cricketing sense," he added.
Key contributors for India with the bat in Galle
India's first innings saw strong contributions from other batters despite Pant's early exit. Devdutt Padikkal (167) scored his maiden Test century, while KL Rahul contributed 82 runs. Dhruv Jurel's half-century helped India surpass the 450-run mark. India were eventually bowled out for 462, with skipper Shubman Gill (16) having chosen to bat first after winning the toss.