Rishabh Pant Slams Kuldeep Yadav for Laziness – Shastri Agrees
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Rishabh Pant Reprimands Kuldeep Yadav for Lack of Effort During Test Match
India’s Test captain, Rishabh Pant, expressed frustration with bowler Kuldeep Yadav’s perceived lack of intensity during the second Test against South Africa on November 25, 2025. The incident occurred as India struggled in their first Test match under Pant’s captaincy.
Last updated: November 25, 2025, 09:14:26 AM PST
The Incident and Initial context
The incident unfolded during India’s second Test match against South Africa. According to Hindustan Times, Pant was visibly frustrated with his bowlers’ lack of adherence to agreed-upon timings and field adjustments. The team was already in a difficult position, having conceded a substantial first-innings lead of 288 runs after South Africa posted 489 and India were all out for 201.
pant’s frustration boiled over when he was heard on the stump microphone telling Kuldeep Yadav, “Baar baar nahi bolunga” (I won’t tell you again), indicating a repeated issue with the bowler’s effort levels. This public reprimand drew attention and sparked discussion about the dynamics within the Indian team.
Ravi Shastri’s Support and Captaincy Expectations
Former India coach Ravi Shastri publicly supported Pant’s actions, stating that a captain needs to hold players accountable. Shastri, speaking to the media, echoed Pant’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining intensity and following plans on the field. Hindustan Times reported Shastri’s comments, highlighting the pressure on a young captain like Pant to assert authority.
Shastri’s backing underscores the challenges of captaincy, notably in Test cricket where maintaining focus and discipline over five days is crucial. A captain must balance motivating players with demanding accountability, especially when the team is underperforming.