An Indian batsman is critically judged on England pitches – as it has proven to be among the toughest for our batsmen. Making Test debut there adds on to the pressure. With Wriddhiman Saha not fit enough yet, it opened doors for our youngster Rishabh Pant who had, by the time, impressed at multiple levels.
With India having lost the first two Tests, it was a do-or-die moment. Skipper Virat Kohli looked in a sublime form, but unfortunately got out at 97 while the other batsmen were already looking uncomfortable to bat on a first day Nottingham pitch. As Kohli walked out, it was time for Rishabh to come out. They say, bowlers feed on the fear in a batsman’s eyes and Rishabh surely had none, as he hit Adil Rashid, the same bowler who had sent back his in-form captain few minutes ago, for a six off the second ball he faced. His Test-career started off with a six as he became the first Indian and the 12th cricketer to have achieved the feat.
That was not the only record Pant broke on the tour. With the Indian top and middle-order struggling at the Kennington Oval, Rishabh, walking out at No. 7, partnered with KL Rahul and scored a century – becoming the first Indian wicket-keeper batsman to score a century in England.
His century made his selection for the upcoming West Indies tour easier. He put up identical scores of 92 – first at Rajkot and then at a tricky wicket of Hyderabad – eventually contributing towards India’s clean sweep against the visitors.
After back-to-back successful series since his debut, and his stellar show in IPL, Rishabh’s spot in India’s squad was almost certain. This time, Rishabh not only showed his skills as a batsman but also as a wicketkeeper, equating the record of most catches (11) taken in a Test during India’s first Test at Adelaide.
With 537 runs within a span of five months, including a century and two half-centuries, Rishabh did justice to his selection in the longest format of the game.
Apart from Tests, Rishabh played a commendable knock against West Indies in the third T20I at Chennai, scoring a 38-ball 58 at 152.63, helping India finish the series 3-0.
For his exemplary performance during the period of selection won him the ICC Emerging Player of the Year – an accolade that will further boost his confidence to perform better and better.
An Indian batsman is critically judged on England pitches – as it has proven to be among the toughest for our batsmen. Making Test debut there adds on to the pressure. With Wriddhiman Saha not fit enough yet, it opened doors for our youngster Rishabh Pant who had, by the time, impressed at multiple levels.
With India having lost the first two Tests, it was a do-or-die moment. Skipper Virat Kohli looked in a sublime form, but unfortunately got out at 97 while the other batsmen were already looking uncomfortable to bat on a first day Nottingham pitch. As Kohli walked out, it was time for Rishabh to come out. They say, bowlers feed on the fear in a batsman’s eyes and Rishabh surely had none, as he hit Adil Rashid, the same bowler who had sent back his in-form captain few minutes ago, for a six off the second ball he faced. His Test-career started off with a six as he became the first Indian and the 12th cricketer to have achieved the feat.
That was not the only record Pant broke on the tour. With the Indian top and middle-order struggling at the Kennington Oval, Rishabh, walking out at No. 7, partnered with KL Rahul and scored a century – becoming the first Indian wicket-keeper batsman to score a century in England.
His century made his selection for the upcoming West Indies tour easier. He put up identical scores of 92 – first at Rajkot and then at a tricky wicket of Hyderabad – eventually contributing towards India’s clean sweep against the visitors.
After back-to-back successful series since his debut, and his stellar show in IPL, Rishabh’s spot in India’s squad was almost certain. This time, Rishabh not only showed his skills as a batsman but also as a wicketkeeper, equating the record of most catches (11) taken in a Test during India’s first Test at Adelaide.
With 537 runs within a span of five months, including a century and two half-centuries, Rishabh did justice to his selection in the longest format of the game.
Apart from Tests, Rishabh played a commendable knock against West Indies in the third T20I at Chennai, scoring a 38-ball 58 at 152.63, helping India finish the series 3-0.
For his exemplary performance during the period of selection won him the ICC Emerging Player of the Year – an accolade that will further boost his confidence to perform better and better.
