Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant took to social media to appreciate the effort of ground staff at the Galle International Stadium for their management. The Indian team was up against Sri Lanka at Galle for the first of the two-game Test series, where the visiting side recorded a huge 165-run victory. Following the game, the Indian cricketer lauded the efforts of ground-staff at the cricket ground as they worked tirelessly in a rain-hit fixture. He shared pictures of the ground staff working through heavy raim while highlighting their role in ensuring the match could continue despite continuous downpour. 

On his Instagram stories, Pant wrote, “Thank you to the groundsmen and support staff. The effort and support from you was unbelievable, especially with the rain. Really appreciate it,” accompanied by clapping emojis. Needless to say, the 28-year-old’s message brought attention to one of the most-overlooked aspects of a game- the ground staff. They are one of the key factors that ensures a smooth execution of a cricket game, even when the circumstances become too demanding, for example, persistent rains. 

Rishabh Pant Scripts History During First Sri Lanka Test 

Pant put up a decent display of batting prowess in the first Test, and while he could score only 39 runs in the first Test, the wicketkeeper-batter 69-ball 66 amidst a collapsing batting lineup. With his twin-contribution, Pant recorded 2,885 runs, moving him 18 runs clear of skipper Shubman Gill, who has 2,867 runs in WTC tally. Both Pant and Gill have played 41 WTC games, but the former has scored his runs in 73 innings while the captain’s runs came in 75 innings. 

Not only this, but the Uttarakhand cricketer’s score has also helped him join an exclusive club. With his two sixes in the second innings, Pant’s sixes tally in the unlimited format has reached 100 maximums. Pant became the first Indian batter to reach the landmark and only the fourth player to do so. He had entered the game with 97 sixes, and hit one in the first innings.