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In an era defined by calculated risks and tactical restraint, Rishabh Pant remains a glorious exception. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter has carved a niche for himself with his explosive strokeplay, audacious shot selection, and an uncanny ability to turn the tide of a match within a session. Pant’s presence at the crease is a spectacle in itself — unpredictable yet exhilarating — making him one of the most exciting cricketers to watch in the modern game.
Whether it’s taking on the new ball or reverse-scooping seasoned pacers, Pant’s approach stands in stark contrast to conventional Test cricket norms. His recent twin centuries against England in the first Test once again showcased his immense value, not just as a batter but as an entertainer who can ignite any contest with his flair.
Ben Stokes opens up on Rishabh Pant’s impact and entertainment value
Speaking after England’s dramatic victory in the first Test, skipper Ben Stokes reserved special praise for Pant, despite him being on the opposing side. Stokes admitted that he enjoys watching the Indian southpaw play — a rare compliment in the heat of a high-stakes series.
“Even though he’s my opposition, I absolutely love watching Rishabh play cricket. I love the way he takes it on, in all formats of the game. He got stick in his time, but when you let that type of talent be free, that’s what can happen like last week — credit to him for two hundreds in the game,” said Stokes as quoted by ICC.
While acknowledging Pant’s high-risk style, Stokes noted that such a player naturally creates opportunities for the opposition. Stokes said: “We know we’re going to get our chances, with the way Rishabh plays. On a different day, it could have looked a little bit different if one of those had gone straight up and into hands, but yeah, he’s a very dangerous player.”
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Pant’s twin tons in Headingley Test
Pant’s masterclass at Headingley — 134 in the first innings and 118 in the second — was the heartbeat of India’s batting. He received commendable support from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul, all of whom notched up centuries to help India post a commanding total of 471 in the first innings.
However, the match took a dramatic turn when Ollie Pope responded with a sublime hundred, closing England’s first-innings deficit to just six runs. Set a steep target of 371, England delivered one of their finest fourth-innings performances at home. Ben Duckett’s blistering century laid the foundation, while Joe Root and Zak Crawley added crucial fifties to steer the hosts to their second-highest successful chase on English soil.
Despite Pant’s heroics, India were left ruing missed chances and lack of penetration with the ball, as England took a 1-0 lead in the series. Yet, if there was one silver lining for Indian fans, it was the resurgence of Pant — fearless, free-flowing, and once again, unforgettable.
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