Picture Credit: Disney+ Hotstar
The ongoing 2nd T20I between India and New Zealand produced some exciting cricket action in first half of the innings. From spinners weaving their magic in the middle to Martin Guptill showing his raw power, it was an even contest between bat and ball. Although the players were displaying their class in Ranchi, the bowling team had to face a big hurdle in form of dew at JSCA International Stadium Complex.
It is that time of the season in eastern part of India where dew sets in quite early in the evening. Considering the match kicked off at IST 7 PM onwards, the field was wet from the first ball of the match which made it very difficult for the bowlers to grip the ball and execute their plans. In conditions like these, it's important for the fielding side to be clever and Rishabh Pant certainly ensured that his teammates were helping their bowlers.
The young wicketkeeper was heard instructing the players to avoid bouncing the ball while throwing. When Glenn Phillips tapped the ball down to long-on for a single, the stump pic caught Pant saying, “Haath mein dena seedha (Throw the ball directly in hands)," presumably to ensure that the ball does not get wet by dew on the field.
Watch the video here:
It is an important aspect of the game which often gets unnoticed but it plays a huge role. The Indian fielders managed the ball brilliantly which meant that despite the dew, the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin (1/19) and Axar Patel (1/26) could execute their plans to perfection.
For the fans, it was indeed quite a nostalgic moment as Rishabh Pant's style of instructing the fielders was very similar to how Mahi used to do in past. Coincidentally, Axar Patel was bowling from the MS Dhoni end in Ranchi when Pant was heard making the comments.