Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant made headlines yet again on Day 1 of the first Test against England, delivering a scintillating performance that combined record-breaking brilliance with trademark flair and on-field wit.
🔹 Fastest Indian Wicketkeeper to 3,000 Test Runs
Pant etched his name in the record books by becoming the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to reach 3,000 runs in Test cricket, surpassing the legendary MS Dhoni. Globally, he is now the second-fastest wicketkeeper to achieve this milestone, underscoring his growing stature in the longer format of the game.
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🔹 Commanding Knock Stabilizes India
Walking in after a strong start by the Indian top order, Pant remained unbeaten on 65 runs, guiding India to a commanding 359/3 by stumps. His knock included aggressive strokes, sharp footwork, and clever shot selection, especially against England’s pacers on a pitch that began to offer reverse swing by the second session.
🔹 Battle of Words with Ben Stokes
In a moment that went viral on social media, Pant audaciously charged down the track to England captain Ben Stokes and drove him straight down the ground for a boundary. The shot brought a chuckle from Stokes, who admired the boldness. However, the banter didn’t end there — the two shared a light verbal exchange, which Pant coolly brushed aside before responding with another crisp stroke.
🔹 Stump Mic Brilliance
Pant’s sharp cricketing mind was also on display. During England’s reverse-swing phase, stump mics picked him advising fellow batter Shubman Gill:
“Gilly, ball ban gaya hai… Banaya hai inhone abhi…”
(A sign that the ball had started reversing). The moment highlighted Pant’s awareness and leadership on the field.
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🔸 Praise Pours In
Cricket pundits, fans, and former players lauded Pant’s maturity, fearless batting, and awareness of match conditions. Social media was flooded with appreciation posts celebrating his performance and his continued evolution as a dependable match-winner.
🏏 Looking Ahead
With India off to a strong start in the five-match Test series, Rishabh Pant’s return to form and fitness is proving to be a major boost. His performance at Headingley could very well set the tone for the rest of the tour.
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Date: June 21, 2025