The 1st Test between India and Sri Lanka kicked off in Mohali on Friday but it looks like Rishabh Pant was not aware of the format of game. Having been rested for the T20I series, the young wicketkeeper batsman ensured that he must not miss on preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup later this year in Australia.
Hence, when he came to bat at IS Bindra Stadium, he played his innings like a short-format game. India were in a state of bother at 175/4 when Pant came to the crease but it did not worry Pant at all. The left-handed batsman went berserk in the middle and went on to score 96 runs off 97 balls, a knock with featured 9 fours and 4 sixes.
Pant produces a special knock in Mohali
It was a remarkable counter-attacking assault by Pant and there were two shots in the 77th over which were probably the best of the lot. In his trademark style, the 24-year-old smashed Dhananjaya de Silva for one-handed four and six straight down the ground in a stunning display of explosive batting.
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It was a special innings by Pant today: Hanuma Vihari
After the end of day’s play, former Indian cricketers Sunil Gavaskar an Ajit Agarkar were full of praise of Rishabh Pant as they claimed that the young wicketkeeper batsman looked lot more mature with his batting in Mohali, something which is a great sign for him and Indian cricket going forward.
Reflecting on Pant’s batting, Hanuma Vihari said, “Rishabh is a different kind of a batsman and it was a special innings. We all know how he bats, and it was a special innings today. He helped us get to 350+ on the first day, which will be helpful going forward.”
Although Pant missed out on a well-deserved hundred, India ended Day 1 in solid position at score of 357/6, with Hanuma Vihari (58), Virat Kohli (45) and Ravindra Jadeja (45*) also making valuable contributions.
