'Rishabh Pant Undresses Aussies: Indian World-Cup Hero Holds Nothing Back'

Rishabh Pant emerged as the hero for India on Day 2 of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match at the SCG. Stepping up to bat at no. 4, Pant delivered a stellar performance, scoring 61 runs off just 33 balls. His innings was highlighted by six fours and four sixes, showcasing his aggressive style of play with a remarkable strike rate of 184.85. This knock not only helped India in a crucial situation but also silenced his critics who had doubted his form throughout the series. So far in the series, Pant has accumulated 255 runs in five matches and nine innings, boasting an average of 28.33 and a strike rate of 59.02, which includes a well-deserved half-century.

His knock on Saturday also saw him cross 5,000 international runs for India. Pant’s knock sent social media into a state of meltdown, as fans and former players hailed the wicketkeeper-batter.

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Meanwhile, India legend Kris Srikkanth took to X, with a hilarious take on Pant’s knock. He wrote, “What a knock by pant! He’s just taken the pants of the Aussies!”

15 wickets fell on Day 2, and it was an action-packed affair. Indian bowlers, despite Jasprit Bumrah bowling only 10 overs, put in a dominant show. Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy were in better form and saw India skittle out the Aussies for 181. Ahead of the second innings, India had a narrow lead of four runs. Aussie denutant Beau Webster top-scored for the hosts with a half-centry.

Although the hosts were behind, Bumrah’s fitness made India sweat, and he went for a scan after lunch. The Indian openers started off on a positive note, but Boland fought back and struck thrice. From 42/1 to 78/4, India began to lose control, but then Pant began his rescue act. The visitors ended the day with a lead of 145. The visitors trail 1-2 in the ongoing series and a win in Sydney will see them end the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign as a draw.

Meanwhile, Simon Katich, after Day 2’s play, said, “I like both personalities. I like what I saw from him yesterday, it was hard work out there and he applied himself beautifully, particularly after the criticism he copped for his knocks at the MCG, which ultimately led to India losing that Test.”

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