India, Aug. 17 -- Rishabh Pant is standing at somewhat of a crossroads. Whatever the left-hander does these days attracts a lot of scrutiny, and his latest dismissal would not stop the storm any time soon. The wicketkeeper-batter threw away his wicket in the first innings of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka. Pant was looking set for a big knock, but ended up charging down the wicket against the run of play, only to walk back to the pavilion for 39.

Pant's innings ended only four deliveries after the second new ball became available on Day 2, following the completion of 80 overs. Debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha immediately put the India wicketkeeper under pressure and succeeded in tempting him into an aggressive stroke. Pant attempt...