Uncapped Batter Stars In Duleep Trophy, As Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan Fail

05.09.2024 - 16:04 sports.ndtv.com

Rishabh Pant's much-awaited return to red-ball cricket lasted a mere 10 balls and 15 minutes but Musheer Khan's resolute unbeaten hundred carried India B to a satisfactory 202 for seven against India A, on the opening day of the four-day Duleep Trophy contest here on Thursday.

Before Musheer (105 not out, 227b, 10x4, 2x6) and Navdeep Saini (29 not out, 74b, 4x4, 1x6) fought back for India B with a stand of 108 for the eighth wicket, they were in a huge hole at 94 for seven as ‘A' skipper Shubman Gill made the prudent choice of bowling first under overcast skies.

But Musheer, younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan (9), saved his side from a total collapse with an innings of rare maturity that belied his 19 tender years.

When the right-hander entered the field at No 3 in the 14th over after the fall of Abhimayu Easwaran, the bowlers were right on top as a canopy of dark clouds hung over the Chinnaswamy.

cricket India Cricket Team Rishabh Pant India

As the anticipation around the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 grows, veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon explained his strategy to tackle star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant's attacking approach saying, "You got to be good to bowl against him". The off-spinner stated that he intended to force Pant to defend more by keeping him inside the crease when taking wickets. "You're bowling against someone like Rishabh Pant, who is electric. He's got all the skill in the world. As a bowler, your room for error is so small. So you've got to be good. It's a challenge as a bowler if I'm going to get hit for six. I'm not afraid about getting hit for six.

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Comeback man Rishabh Pant marked his return to Test cricket in style, scoring a century in the second innings of the series opener against Bangladesh. Pant's heroic turn left many emotional, as fans, pundits and his peers recalled the horrific car crash he was a part of in December 2022. Around 600 days from that accident, Pant is seemingly back to his best, especially in red-ball cricket. As fans and former cricketers recalled the wicket-keeper batter's journey, even Pakistan great Wasim Akram shared an emotional note.

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India star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant revealed he felt nervous during his comeback Test ton in Chennai in the first match against Bangladesh on Sunday. However, Pant pressed that the fire inside him allowed him to score the record-equalling sixth Test century. Pant's return to Test cricket has been nothing short of spectacular following a life-threatening car accident in December 2022. He made his much-anticipated comeback in Chennai. His 109-run innings in the second innings was filled with attacking strokes, coupled with well-timed defense, taking the Bangladesh bowlers by surprise.

MS Dhoni vs Rishabh Pant 'Greatest In Test' Debate: Ex-India Star Gives 'SENA' Verdict

Former Indian cricket team batter Aakash Chopra believes that it is too early to consider Rishabh Pant as the best wicket-keeper batter to play for the country. Pant slammed a brilliant century during India's win over Bangladesh in the first Test match in Chennai and his performance led to a number of experts and fans hailing it as the 'greatest in Test' for India. However, during an interaction of Colors Cineplex, Chopra pointed out that with MS Dhoni featuring in the list as well, it is difficult to call Pant the 'greatest'. But he also added that Pant would remain in the conversation considering his performances against the SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) in Test cricket.

"Defence Is Attack": Rishabh Pant Compared To This Ex-India Star

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali compared the dynamic wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant to India's iconic opener, Virender Sehwag. After being involved in a life-threatening accident in December 2022, Pant's return to Test format for India has begun on a breathtaking note. After his promising knock ended on 39 in the first inning, he dug deep and raised his bat to celebrate his splendid century in Chennai in the opening Test against Bangladesh.

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Star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a strong statement in the ongoing 1st Test against Bangladesh in Chennai as he scored his 6th Test century during the second innings of the match. Making his first Test appearance after December 2022, Pant took the Bangladesh bowlers to the cleaners during his 109-run stay in the middle. While Pant has been in the news over the speculations about his future at Delhi Capitals (DC), it has now been reported that the 26-year-old is set to be retained by the franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction.