Asia Cup: Akram, Shastri, Gambhir question Pant's shot selection against Pakistan

Ravi Shastri, Wasim Akram and Gautam Gambhir have criticised Rishabh Pant for his poor shot selection during India's five-wicket loss to Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Pant was dismissed off a googly by Shadab Khan, as he tried a reverse sweep, an attempt that experts found to be trifle indiscreet. The wicketkeeper-batter was premeditated and the execution was poor as the ball went straight into the hands of Asif Ali at backward point, resulting in his dismissal at a crucial juncture.

Read AlsoAsia Cup 2022, India vs Pakistan: Made conscious effort to bat at swift pace but loss of wickets changed plan, says Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, who made 60 off 44 balls, was going all guns blazing early in his innings before slowing down, fearing losing out on partners in the death overs. Having found his mojo back after a prolonged lean patch, Kohli was at his attacking best but slowing down cost him and India 20-25 runs.

"Rishabh Pant will be disappointed because that's not his shot. His shot is probably hit over long-on or deep mid-wicket, you end up hitting over there and get out, absolutely you can take it because that's your strength. Your strength is not reverse-sweeping," Gambhir told Star Sports. India eventually lost the Super 4 match that went down to the wire on Sunday. Legendary Pakistan pacer Akram felt that the southpaw, known for his power-hitting skills, could have avoided the reverse hit during the middle overs.

1/14Asia Cup: Pakistan beat India in last over thrillerShow Captions<p>Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Nawaz set up a five-wicket win for Pakistan in their opening Super Four game against India in the Asia Cup on Sunday.</p><p>Virat Kohli's 60 guided India to 181-7 after being put in to bat in Dubai.</p><p>Kohli hit