Cricket

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to Test cricket has left the cricketing world in awe. After a horrific car crash in December 2022, the wicket-keeper batter has shown immense resilience and determination to bounce back stronger than ever.In the second innings of the series opener against Bangladesh, Pant scored a century, reminding everyone of his exceptional talent. His heroic performance brought tears to the eyes of many, including fans, pundits, and his peers.Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram was among those who were deeply moved by Pant's journey. "Look at Pant's performance, the miracle that he has performed by showing he is superhuman by returning from his tragedy," Akram said on Sportskeeda.Akram praised Pant's exemplary shots, particularly his reverse sweep against England pace great James Anderson. However, it was Pant's mental strength that impressed Akram the most."The way he used to play in Test cricket, the way he performed in Australia with the century then," said Akram. "The way he batted against England, playing a reverse sweep against [James] Anderson in Test cricket, even [Pat] Cummins. He's special.""Especially what he has been through in that horrific accident, coming back from that, how mentally strong must that boy be."Akram believes that Pant's story should be told to children for generations to come, as an inspiration to bounce back from difficult situations. "That's a story to be told for generations and generations, in my opinion, to motivate young people of the world. You can come back the way Pant did," said Akram."He came back and averaged 40 in the IPL, 446 runs at a strike rate of 155, he's a miracle kid," Akram concluded.Pant's return to form is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the power of human resilience. His story is an inspiration to all who face adversity, reminding us that anything is possible with determination and support.

Pat Cummins Highlights Rishabh Pant's Game-Changing Ability Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyAustralian captain Pat Cummins has identified Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as a key player to contain in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The five-match Test series, beginning on November 22 in Perth, promises to be a highly competitive affair between two in-form teams.Pant has emerged as a crucial player for India, particularly known for his aggressive batting style. He has been particularly effective against Australia, scoring a match-winning 109 in the second innings of the Dhaka Test in December 2022, helping India secure a 280-run victory.Cummins compared Pant's playing style to that of Australia's own Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, who are also known for their aggressive approach. "Every team has one or two players who can take the game on," Cummins said. "We have Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. With those guys, you know they're going to be aggressive. You miss your area a little bit and they can take the game on."Cummins acknowledged Pant's skill in playing unconventional shots, such as the reverse lap, which has become a trademark of his batting. "Someone like Rishabh Pant might play a reverse lap, and it's an incredible shot," Cummins said. "That's just a part of who he is. We've become accustomed to it nowadays because some of those ridiculous shots are a bit more common."The Australian captain also emphasized Pant's influence in previous series against Australia, saying, "He is someone who has had a big influence on a couple of series. Got to try to keep him quiet."With both teams in good form and preparing diligently, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be an intense and captivating series. Pant's aggressive batting and game-changing ability will undoubtedly be a major factor in the outcome.

After a brief hiatus, the Indian cricket team returned to Test whites with a resounding victory in the first Test against Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The 280-run triumph not only extended India's unbeaten streak in Tests but also highlighted the team's growing depth and versatility.The Indian batting unit, which has undergone a transition in recent years, showed signs of maturity and resilience. While the senior trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and K.L. Rahul failed to set the scoreboard ablaze, the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill stepped up with crucial contributions. Gill's century in the second innings was particularly impressive, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and guide the team to victory.The biggest gain for India, however, was the validation of its all-rounder zone. Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, spinners R. Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja all played pivotal roles in the team's success. Ashwin's century and his partnership with Jadeja in the first innings laid the foundation for India's dominance, while Pant's fiery ton in the second innings sealed the deal.Pant's story is a testament to his determination and resilience. After surviving a horrific car accident in December 2022, he has made a remarkable comeback, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with. His ability to alter the course of a game with his aggressive batting and fearless fielding makes him an invaluable asset to the Indian team.India's bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, was equally impressive. The pace trio of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, along with the spin twins Ashwin and Jadeja, proved to be a nightmare for the Bangladeshi batters. The fielding was also top-notch, with sharp catches and quick reflexes in the outfield.As India moves to Kanpur for the second Test, Rohit Sharma's men have a chance to further emphasize their superiority. With the senior players expected to find their form and the all-rounders continuing to contribute, India is well-positioned to maintain its dominance in the Test arena.

Rishabh Pant's scintillating century in India's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the Chepauk Test has reignited comparisons with legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni. However, former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has cautioned against hasty conclusions, emphasizing the need to give Pant time to prove his greatness.Pant's 109 in the second innings propelled India to a mammoth 515-run target, which proved insurmountable for Bangladesh. The visitors were dismissed for 234, handing India a 280-run victory and a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.Pant's century was his sixth in just 58 Test innings, equaling Dhoni's record for most Test tons by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter. However, Karthik believes it's premature to declare Pant as India's greatest ever in the longest format."It's very unacceptable to say that he's (Pant) played 34 Tests and he's already India's greatest wicket-keeper batter," Karthik said on Cricbuzz. "Let's take time, let's not jump to conclusions."Karthik acknowledged Pant's potential but stressed the need to consider Dhoni's all-round contributions. "Don't discount Dhoni's credentials as a wicketkeeper as well," he said. "He not only kept brilliantly, batted and scored runs when it mattered very very well for India but also he led India to a World Test Championship mace which is becoming number 1."Pant's free-flowing innings against Bangladesh showcased his attacking prowess and ability to dominate the opposition. His century came at a crucial juncture, helping India set an imposing target and secure a comfortable victory.The second and final Test of the series will commence on September 27 in Kanpur, where Pant will have another opportunity to cement his status as one of India's most promising wicketkeeper-batters.

India's dominance continued on Day 3 of the third Test against Bangladesh as they declared their innings at 287, setting a formidable target of 515 for the visitors. The decision to declare was made by skipper Rohit Sharma, who displayed confidence in his team's ability to defend the total despite the remaining two days of the Test.The declaration came after centuries from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill, who anchored India's innings with scores of 119 and 110, respectively. KL Rahul, who was batting on 22 at the time of the declaration, expressed disappointment at not getting more time at the crease, but Pant clarified that Rohit had communicated his plan to declare an hour in advance."When we came for lunch, there was a discussion going on about the innings declaration. Rohit bhai told us, 'We will bat for 1 more hour, whoever wants to score, can do so,'" Pant explained. "So, I returned with the mindset to score runs quickly."Rohit's decision to declare was not influenced by the personnel in the middle, as he had indicated his intention to declare within a specific time frame. After the match, Rohit paid tribute to Pant, who made a remarkable comeback to the Indian Test team after a long absence."He's been through some really tough times. The way he has managed himself through those tough times was superb to watch," Rohit said. "He came back in the IPL, followed by a very successful World Cup, and this is the format he loves the most."Rohit also praised Pant's determination to prepare for the Test match by playing in the Duleep Trophy. "Credit to him as well, he went on to play Duleep Trophy and got ready for this Test match and had an impact straightaway in the game," he added.With India's bowlers in top form, Bangladesh faces an uphill task to save the Test. The hosts will need to bat with resilience and determination to avoid a heavy defeat.

Rishabh Pant's Wit and Wisdom Enlivens India's Test Victory over BangladeshIn a moment of lighthearted camaraderie during India's emphatic Test victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant injected a dose of humor into the proceedings. On Day 3 of the second innings, Pant's voice was captured on the stump mic offering tactical advice to the Bangladesh fielders."O bhai, idhar aayega yeh fielder (please bring the fielder here)," Pant was heard saying, much to the amusement of the commentary team and fans. The incident showcased Pant's quick wit and his ability to lighten the mood even in the midst of a competitive match.Speaking after India's 280-run triumph, Pant explained his motivation for the playful banter. "I think the understanding of the game for me is that cricket should improve wherever you play," he said. "So I was just trying to help the team that you can set a fielder here, and it was amazing. Actually, I enjoyed it."Pant's return to Test cricket after recovering from a serious accident in December 2022 was marked by a scintillating century in the second innings. His knock of 109 runs, a blend of aggression and controlled batting, played a pivotal role in India's victory."I was jittery, but there was a fire inside me to make it happen. And eventually, I did it. I'm happy, but not thinking about it too much," Pant said, reflecting on his performance.Pant's partnership with Shubman Gill, who scored 110 runs, proved to be the cornerstone of India's batting effort. The duo shared a 167-run stand, putting the Bangladesh bowlers under immense pressure."When you have a great relationship off the field, it helps on the field," Pant said of his partnership with Gill. "We were having fun, talking about the game, and staying relaxed while focusing on stitching a great partnership."With the victory in Chennai, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. The teams will now travel to Kanpur for the second and final Test, which begins on Friday.

In the first Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai, India's swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a triumphant return to the longest format with a dazzling century in the second innings. Pant's aggressive 128-ball 109, coupled with Shubman Gill's unbeaten 119, propelled India to set a formidable target of 515 for Bangladesh in the fourth innings.Pant's innings was a testament to his attacking prowess. After a cautious start, he gradually settled in and unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes. His audacious strokeplay left the Bangladesh bowlers reeling, as he dominated the Chepauk pitch.In a post-match interview, Pant revealed that India's skipper Rohit Sharma had given the batters an hour to bat at the lunch break on Day 3. This directive inspired Pant to aim for a score of 150 or more.Following Pant and Gill's batting masterclass, India's spinners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja wreaked havoc in the fourth innings. Ashwin claimed a six-wicket haul, while Jadeja bagged three wickets, as Bangladesh succumbed to 234 all out.Ashwin's all-round performance, including a century in the first innings, earned him the Player of the Match award. India's comprehensive victory by 280 runs gave them a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

India's upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia present a crucial opportunity for the team to secure a historic series hat-trick Down Under. Former Australian captain Ian Chappell believes that the fitness and form of Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant will be paramount to India's success.Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, has been managing his workload effectively since recovering from a lower back stress fracture surgery in August 2023. His fitness and form will be essential in Australia, where he will be expected to lead the bowling attack.Pant, the wicketkeeper-batter, has made a remarkable comeback to the Test scene after his horrific car accident. His ability to bounce back and perform at his best will give India a major boost. Pant's wicket-keeping skills are particularly crucial on bouncy Australian pitches, where he can cover a lot of territory and allow the slip fielders to spread wider.Chappell also highlights the importance of Mohammed Siraj, who was one of the most successful pace bowlers on India's last Australian tour. The presence of a good left-arm paceman, such as Kuldeep Yadav, would also improve India's variety in attack.In the batting department, Chappell believes that Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a good start to his Test career but needs to show good form in Australia. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should act as guiding lights for the younger batters on tour.India's spin bowling is in good hands with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, Chappell believes that Mohammed Shami's fitness will be crucial for the series.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction approaches, franchises are finalizing their retention strategies. According to reports, the Delhi Capitals have identified their priority players, with skipper Rishabh Pant topping the list.Pant, a key member of the Indian team across all formats, was rumored to be considering a move to Punjab Kings, where former Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting is now in charge. However, a report in Cricbuzz suggests that Pant will remain with DC and be their top retention pick.The wicket-keeper batter currently earns INR 16 crore per season, but this figure is expected to increase with the BCCI's new retention guidelines. In addition to Pant, Delhi is likely to retain Team India stars Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.Overseas players Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs are also reportedly set to be retained by the franchise. If the BCCI allows franchises to retain an uncapped player, DC is expected to keep wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel.