A fresh controversy erupted in Indian cricket as skipper Shubman Gill brushed aside growing criticism of KL Rahul and put the entire blame on Rishabh Pant for the costly run-out during the team’s narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test against England, leaving fans and former players stunned.
During a tense moment when KL Rahul was nearing his century, many expected team-first thinking from the Indian camp. But when the run-out drama unfolded, instead of questioning the obsession with personal milestones, Shubman Gill ignored that angle and directed the spotlight toward Pant.
Shubman Gill saves KL Rahul and blames Rishabh Pant for costly run-out in 3rd Test
The Indian captain said that it was Rishabh Pant who took the call while saying Rahul was under pressure when he was in on 99 after the touring side lost the opportunity to take a lead in the ongoing five-match Test series against England.
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But what shocked the Indian cricket fans is Gill’s complete silence on whether Rahul’s push for a hundred influenced that costly decision. Despite fans and cricket experts blaming the right-hander for being greedy for his hundred and that leading to the mix-up, Gill didn’t address that part.
The skipper has entirely put the blame on Pant despite the fact that the Indian wicketkeeper-batter batted through the pain during his brilliant knock of 74 runs off 112 balls in the first innings.
The batter feels the pressure when he is batting on 99: Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill said at the post-match press conference at Lord’s: “We always talk about keeping the team first. But I think it was more an error in judgment rather than someone thinking about their 100. KL Rahul might have told Rishabh, ‘It would be good if I completed my 100 before lunch. The batter feels the pressure when he is batting on 99.”
Gill further noted, “But I wouldn’t say Rishabh Pant got out because of the personal milestone of KL Rahul. It was an error of judgment. Rishabh made the call. The danger end was KL Bhai. I would say it was an error of judgment. It can happen to any batter.”
Shubman Gill didn’t say a word about the obsession with milestones probably because he’s obsessed too. Instead, he shifted the blame for the run-out onto Rishabh Pant.
Pant bro, be careful of this sn*ke🙏
pic.twitter.com/bcGabxk5dY
— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) July 14, 2025
His statement raised eyebrows and questioned whether the team is protecting senior players at the cost of accountability, and some even warned Pant to be careful with Gill.
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Rishabh Pant should be fine for the next Test: Shubman Gill
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill shared a positive update on Rishabh Pant, who hurt his finger during England’s first innings and didn’t keep wickets at Lord’s. The captain said that Pant is recovering well and is expected to be fit and ready for the fourth Test match in Manchester.
Gill further added, “Pant went for scans, and he should be fine for the next Test. His run-out was the biggest moment in the game. We knew batting on Day 5 wouldn’t be easy.”
How did the run-out drama unfold at Lord’s?
Speaking about that controversial run-out at Lord’s, the Indian vice-captain’s innings ended in a shocking run-out just before lunch because of KL Rahul’s risky call. Pant tapped the Shoaib Bashir ball to the off-side, and Rahul rushed for a single.
Pant reacted late, and Ben Stokes, with a brilliant direct hit from cover, sent him back for 74. The timing and Rahul’s eagerness for 100 proved costly for India in the third Test at Lord’s.
