People will tell you it’s your natural game: Pollock on Pant’s shot-selection
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been filled with exciting matches, thrilling finishes, and some outstanding individual performances. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and shot selection is a crucial aspect of a batsman’s game. In a recent match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI), LSG captain Rishabh Pant’s shot selection came under scrutiny, and former South African cricketer Shaun Pollock was one of the first to criticize it.
Pant’s dismissal while playing a reverse sweep against MI sparked a debate about his shot selection, with many questioning whether it was the right decision at that particular juncture of the game. In a recent interview, Pollock expressed his disappointment with Pant’s shot selection, saying that the young batsman should have focused on picking singles rather than going for a big shot.
“But, they will tell you, ‘Oh, that is my natural game’, to pull out the reverse sweep,” Pollock stated. “But, you know, when you’re playing in a big game, and you’re trying to win, you’ve got to be smart. You can’t just play your natural game all the time. You’ve got to adapt to the situation.”
Pollock’s comments are not without merit. As a batsman, it is essential to be aware of the situation and adjust your game accordingly. In a high-pressure game like the IPL, where every run counts, it is crucial to be strategic and not just rely on your natural game. Pant’s dismissal was a prime example of this, as he went for a big shot when a single would have been a more sensible option.
However, it is also important to note that Pant’s natural game is built around aggressive batting. He is known for his fearless approach to the game, and his ability to take the game away from the opposition with his powerful hitting. In many cases, this approach has paid dividends for Pant, and he has been instrumental in LSG’s success in the IPL.
So, what is the right balance between playing one’s natural game and adapting to the situation? According to Pollock, it is about being aware of the game situation and making the right decision. “You’ve got to be aware of the situation, and you’ve got to make the right decision,” he said. “If you’re trying to get 10 runs in the last over, you can’t just play a normal game. You’ve got to adapt and try to get those runs. And if you’re trying to get 20 runs in the last over, you can’t just play a normal game either. You’ve got to adapt and try to get those runs.”
Pant’s shot selection is not the only aspect of his game that has been criticized in the IPL. His captaincy has also come under scrutiny, particularly after LSG’s loss to MI. However, it is essential to remember that Pant is still a young player, and he is learning and growing with each game. His aggressive batting style and fearless approach to the game are valuable assets for LSG, and he has the potential to become one of the best batsmen in the world.
In conclusion, Pollock’s comments on Pant’s shot selection are a reminder that, as batsmen, we need to be aware of the situation and adapt our game accordingly. While it is important to play one’s natural game, it is also essential to be strategic and make the right decision at the right time. Pant’s dismissal while playing a reverse sweep against MI was a prime example of this, and it is a lesson that he will need to learn from if he wants to succeed at the highest level.
