Image Source : BCCI Rishabh Pant
Former Indian cricketer and current BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly, on Friday, was effusive in his reward for younger Rishabh Pant after the wicketkeeper-batsman scored a sensational counter-attacking century to present India a useful lead on the finish of day 2 of the fourth and ultimate Test in opposition to England on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Entering at 80 for 4 within the thirty eighth over, Pant managed a snug 41-run stand alongside a settled Rohit Sharma earlier than Ben Stokes eliminated the opener. India then misplaced Ravichandran Ashwin and virtually Pant had Nitin Memon not referred to as it improper earlier than the stroke of tea. But publish the break, a much more decided Pant stepped out and captivated on England’s nervy begin within the ultimate session to notch up his century and consolidate India’s lead within the first innings.
“How good is he? Unbelievable..what a knock under pressure…not the first time and won’t be the last time..will be an all time great in all formats in the years to come.keep batting in this aggressive manner .thats why will be match winner and special..@bcci @RishabhPant17,” tweeted Ganguly.
This was Pant’s maiden Test century on house soil and third general which ties him with teammate Wriddhiman Saha for probably the most lots of by an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. Only MS Dhoni with six such knocks stands forward.
“The plan was just to build a partnership when I joined Rohit, that was the only thing on my mind. I was thinking I would assess the pitch and then play my shots. If the bowlers are bowling well respect it and take the singles, and that was on my mind. I like to play the situation and I just see the ball and react – that’s the USP (unique selling point) of my game. The team plan was to get to 206, past the England total, and then get as many runs as possible after that.” Pant stated at finish of day 2.
India now have an 89-run lead with Washingon Sundar on 60, accompanied by Axar Patel on 11.
