On Day 3 of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, India’s wicketkeeper batter once again was at his best around the stump mic. While Sri Lanka fought hard to reach 284 in reply to India’s 462, Pant kept the stump mic buzzing with a series of unfiltered one-liners that quickly went viral. The funniest exchange came when substitute fielder Sarfaraz Khan encouraged Ravindra Jadeja to stay patient. “Lamba game hai Jaddu bhai. Mil baat ke khaayenge,” Sarfaraz said. Pant who was standing behind the stumps replied with “Aur sab talvaar chalayenge!” a reference to Jadeja’s trademark sword celebration. This video has gone viral on social media and fans love the banter.
A few overs later, Pant was giving encouragement to Kuldeep Yadav. “KD, tera hi hai ye toh bhai wicket dono. Bete khaa jayega idhar se toh yaar. Eating sugar ho jayega,” he said, assuring the wrist-spinner that the remaining wickets were his for the taking. When Sri Lankan debutant Sonal Dinusha, batting on 61, missed an easy single after the ball hit his pads and looped near the keeper, Pant said. “Single missing, wickets kissing,” before bursting into laughter. Dinusha went on to score a maiden Test hundred.
Rishabh Pant smashes half century as India set a target of 372
Rishabh Pant scored a quick 66 off 69 balls which included eight fours and two sixes in India’s second innings on Day 4 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. India were bowled out for 193, setting Sri Lanka a target of 372. His innings was the standout performance of the day. He walked in with India under some pressure after early wickets and played with typical freedom, reaching his fifty in just 53 balls. Along the way he became the first Indian and the fastest player in Test history to reach 100 sixes (in only 89 innings). One of his sixes cleared the ground and landed on a street outside the stadium. Asitha Fernando finished with 4 for 31 and Jayasuriya claimed 3 for 43 as India were all out for 193 in 48.5 overs.
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane put it simply: “Humesha aise hi rehte hai.” He’s always like this. Pant has built this reputation of being chirpy behind the wickets ever since his debut. From sledging Tim Paine in Australia to talking to himself during tough batting conditions. He has often credited his late childhood coach Tarak Sinha for teaching him to keep talking as a way to stay focused.
