'Sunil Gavaskar Laughing': Rishabh Pant's Bizarre Reverse-Sweep Attempt Stuns India Great

18.10.2024 - 03:47 sports.ndtv.com

Team India was reduced to its lowest ever total at home in Tests, registering a paltry score of 46 in the first innings of the 1st Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

India captain Rohit Sharma's decision to bat first backfired as the overcast conditions at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium made it increasingly difficult for batters to survive.

The hosts were reduced to 10/3 after Rohit, Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan failed to even survive the first hour of play in the morning session.

Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched the biggest partnership as the two added 31 runs for the fourth wicket. Despite India being in a precarious position, Pant attempted a reverse sweep moments after coming out to bat.

cricket India Cricket Team New Zealand Cricket Team 2024 Rohit Sharma Dinesh Karthik Ravi Shastri Sunil Gavaskar Matt Henry Rishabh Pant New Zealand India

Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh has witnessed a transition in Indian cricket between 2011-2013 when stalwarts like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman retired with Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, current coach Gautam Gambhir and him being phased out. "Look age is a factor for some in this team but then Virat and Jaddu are extremely fit guys. Yes, age, fitness and form are criteria but the questions crop up once you start losing. The onus obviously comes on seniors in the team. It happened in that phase," he recalled. But he absolutely detests the theory that certain players can't be replaced.

Watch: Virat Kohli's Mix-Up With Rishabh Pant Deals India Big Blow, Internet Asks "Whose Fault?"

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was run out on duck after a mix-up with Virat Kohli on Day 3 of the ongoing second Test against New Zealand on Saturday. The incident happened in the 23rd over with India chasing a mammoth 359 target to level the series. Ajaz Patel bowled a good length ball to Kohli, who guided it towards short third man. Kohli looked at Pant, who was at non-striker's end, hoping to steal a single. Both trusted each other and went for the run. However, Mitchell Santner fired a throw towards the keeper's end and Tom Blundell did the rest. Pant seemed to be struggling despite making a desperate dive to get inside the crease.

"Don't Talk About Australia Now": Sunil Gavaskar Schools Ex-India Star During 2nd Test vs New Zealand

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team are in a dire strait in the Test series against New Zealand. After having lost the first Test in Bengaluru, the second Test Test in Pune too hasn't brought any good news for the hosts. New Zealand have taken a huge lead in the third innings and saving the match will be quite a task for India. In the midst of this former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has aksed all to focus on the current series rather than on the India vs Australia Test series that starts on November 22.

Sunil Gavaskar Makes Stunning U-Turn On Washington Sundar Selection After 'Panic' Verdict

Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar made a stunning U-turn after initially criticising the decision to include Washington Sundar in place of Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test match against New Zealand on Thursday. Washington was added to the India squad after the loss in the first Test match in Bengaluru and his inclusion in the playing XI prompted Gavaskar to say that it was a 'panic' decision. However, the all-rounder produced a stunning performance and took seven wickets to put India in control. Even Gavaskar was impressed with his performance and on commentary, the legend remarked - "What an inspired selection. He is picked in the XI because he can bat a little bit, bowl a little bit.”

"Defensive Captain, Negative Captain": Sunil Gavaskar's Insight During India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Viral

The first day of the second India vs new Zealand Test was quite eventful for the home team. After a loss in the first Test, India must win this match to keep their awesome run going on. India made three changes to their line-up with Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill and Akash Deep coming in. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar's verdict was interesting. "I don't see a lot of teams making three changes unless there are injury concerns. Washington Sundar inclusion which actually tells you they are worried about their batting," he said. More than his bowling, they need his batting down the order as the cushion."

On Rishabh Pant's Injury, Coach Ryan Ten Doeschate Delivers Big Update

Rishabh Pant who missed a part of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru due to a knee injury, is all but set to feature for India in the second match at Pune. India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate, speaking to media ahead of the second Test of the series, confirmed that though Pant's appearance in the match isn't 100% certain, he is looking on course to make the XI for the match. There were suggestions of Dhruv Jurel replacing Pant behind the stumps for the match. But, it seems like the southpaw is all set to get the nod despite the recent injury.