Rishabh Pant is undoubtedly one of the most talented cricketers of his generation. The flamboyant wicketkeeper-batsman is marking an era in Indian and International Cricket with his brand of cricket.
The swashbuckling batsman’s entertaining batting has won the hearts of millions over the years. We look back at the Pocket Dynamite’s eventful career on his birthday.
U-19 World Cup
Bangladesh hosted the under-19 World Cup in 2016, and India was a strong favorite to go all the way.
Pant, the premier batsman of the team, hit the ground running almost instantly. His blistering innings against Nepal drew worldwide attention and made him an overnight star.
Pant was impressive throughout the tournament and finished as one of the highest run-getters in the World Cup with a terrific strike rate.
International Debut
After a highly successful Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign, Rishabh Pant got drafted into the national team during a T-20 series. It didn’t take long for the diminutive southpaw to settle into the squad, as he continued to prove his mettle at the highest level consistently.Though he made his debut in all 3 formats within a very short span, he struggled to find form consistently. His poor temperament and shot selection in crucial situations cost India the match on several occasions.But it was in Test matches that he really started to cement his place in Team India as a mainstay.IPL Career Pant was signed by Delhi Capitals during the under-19 World Cup held in Bangladesh. Pant’s record of the fastest 50 ever in the history of the competition against Nepal leveraged his cash-splashing move to the Delhi giants.
He made an instant impact on the side. His match-winning innings against Gujarat Lions in the two matches of the Group Stage earned him plaudits in the media. He finished the season as Delhi’s top scorer and one of the highest run scorers of the tournament.
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He continued his superb record in the next season as well. Pant went on to score over 500 runs in that season, too, and eventually eased himself into the national setup.
The following seasons saw a dip in form as he struggled for rhythm with the added responsibility of captaincy on his shoulders.
Pant vs Dhoni
Due to their similar style and background, Rishabh is often compared to the Indian icon MS Dhoni. Fans and pundits perceive Pant as Dhoni’s natural successor.
He became subject to heavy trolls on social media after regular bad performances and turned into an easy target eventually.
Both Pant and Dhoni have always refused any comparison between the two, with Pant claiming Dhoni as his idol.
Rishabh Pant’s Best Innings
Within such a short career, Pant has already played many iconic innings for India in all formats of the game. Here we’ll see through some of his classics:
114 vs England (Oval, 2018)
The Oval saw the rise of a phenomenon in 2018. Rishabh Pant was called into the England tour as a replacement for an injury.
In his very first trip to England, he became a global sensation, thanks to the 114 at The Oval. The knock reinstated his infinite potential at the biggest stage of the game.
Pant smacked every bowler around and made a firm statement of his true talent to the cricketing world. It was an innings of a lifetime.
97 vs Australia (Sydney, 2021)
Pant was dropped in the first Test at Adelaide, where India got bowled out for just 36. The team management brought Pant back immediately to the starting XI of the next Test.
Pant made an instant impact as he played one of the most memorable innings of his career in the 2nd innings. In his typical counter-attacking style, he romped to 97 with an unbelievable strike rate.
Under dire circumstances, India had to bat the whole day to save the Test match. It was Pant’s aggressive approach that got the Australian bowlers on the back foot. India eventually managed to save the Test, thanks to the resolute resistance from Pujara and the tailenders.
89* vs Australia (Brisbane, 2021)
The Gabba saw the story of a magnificent comeback from India. Chasing 328 in the fourth innings, India reached the record run chase with 3 wickets to spare at Australia’s fortress.
Pant played a major role in the surreal victory as he played arguably the best innings of his career. In career-defining innings, he defied all odds to snatch the win with the help of the middle order and tailenders. It was the innings that changed his life as a wicket-keeper batsman.
146 vs England (Edgbaston, 2022)
Rishabh Pant was in blistering form ahead of his second tour of England in 2022. He made full use of it as he played the innings of the year against a formidable English bowling lineup.
In an innings that featured devastating stroke play and offensive intent right from the get-go, he destroyed every ploy the English bowlers had and smashed them all over the park. His 146 at Edgbaston is still held as the best innings played by a wicket-keeper batsman in England.
Rishabh Pant Comeback
Pant was always regarded as a future star right from the start of his career. But his initial inconsistency barely did him any favor.
The poor shots and soft dismissals at crucial moments frustrated many. After a string of continuously disappointing outings, he was dropped from the national team.
But he salvaged his career back with his talent and determination. He played match-winning knocks one after another to cap off a remarkable comeback.
Controversy and Media Image
Pant is often a subject of criticism in the media due to his reckless lifestyle and irresponsible cricket.
He became an obvious target in the media at the start of his career due to his gullible image. His lackluster performances did not help him either, as he constantly succumbed to pressure to be dismissed cheaply.
As he has progressed in his career, he has gradually learned to manage media and pressure quite effortlessly.
Car Accident
Pant suffered an almost career-ending accident right on the eve of 2023. It was initially thought to be life-threatening by critics and experts. He has recovered well after months of prayers from his well-wishers.
From that point, he has been gradually recovering from that injury. His recovery has been accelerated with guidance from coaches and fellow professionals.
Rishabh Pant’s Present Condition
Pant is not currently in any sort of contention for the national team. Still, people have still got their fingers crossed to watch him again.
The world awaits his arrival on the grandest stage.
Influence on the Indian Team
Rishabh Pant is a high-impact player. A player who can change the pace of the game in a moment.
He is regarded as a match-winner by experts and players alike.
His all-action style is reminiscent of the legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist. Gilchrist himself has admitted recently that Pant changed the game for wicketkeepers.
Final Verdict
Rishabh Pant stands as an inspirational figure for wicketkeeper-batsmen all over the world. His talent and skills have garnered worldwide acclaim. This has made him emerge as a global superstar.
Despite all the controversies and careless attitude, Pant is a treasure for International cricket. Cricketers like him capture cricket once in a lifetime.
As his cricketing journey unfolds, we salute the genius of the man on his birthday. His riveting tale will take care of itself to inspire millions.
