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Rishabh Pant has emerged as one of the biggest names to emerge for India in international cricket in the last 10 years. The wicket-keeper batter’s excellence and diligence have raised him to the ranks of India’s Test vice-captain. Back in 2015, he broke into competitive cricket with his appearance for Delhi against Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2015/16. In his maiden appearance, he looked impressive with his half-century in the second innings. After proving himself in the domestic circuit, he also won a spot in Team India’s T20 International (T20I) side in February 2017.
Pant recently grabbed a lot of eyeballs for his stunning twin centuries against England in the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy played at Headingley. Following his knock, he is receiving a lot of praise from fans and formers of the game. Recently, Ajay Jadeja recalled the incident when Pant wasn’t picked up for Delhi’s 2015 Ranji side. Jadeja remembers how he was trying to persuade Pant to attend Delhi’s practice session but the stumper’s reply took him by surprise.
"I will never forget our first meeting. I was the coach of Delhi for a few days before quitting (in 2015). The selectors and captain kept arguing over the players they wanted to have in the team. Pant wasn't picked. I still told him (Pant) to attend the practice session for the Ranji Trophy, telling him that it doesn't matter that you've not been selected, there will be a chance in future. Bhaiya rehne do na, jab zaroorat padegi, ghar se bulayenge (Let it be. When they'll need me, they'll pick me up from home)," said Ajay Jadeja.
Expectations high from Rishabh Pant for the second Test
Rishabh Pant will look to continue his brilliant batting form in the next game to be played against England at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground from June 2 to 6. India’s lower-middle-order looked muddled in the opening Test but Pant along with his captain Shubman Gill looked disciplined with his bat.
India’s bowling unit has to step up in the second game to level the series. The English batting attack, riding on their "Bazball" playing style, chased down 371 successfully and snatched the game from the hosts. The two-time World Test Championship (WTC) finalists will have to solve their bowling conundrum to hit back at the home side.
