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India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was at his unorthodox best as he scored his third Test century on England soil. In the series opener at Headingley, Leeds, Pant played a few outrageous shots to entertain the crowd and make jaws drop in the commentary box and dressing room alive. However, at one point, he was frustrated by Josh Tongue targetting his leg.
“Suja diya yaar isne maar maar ke. Same jagah maare ja raha hai. [He’s bruised me with all these hits. He keeps hitting the same spot again and again]" Pant can he heard saying in the video posted by Star Sports.
On the next delivery, Pant did not offer a shot as the ball swung back in to the stumps. He was given out and opted for DRS but the decision was not reversed. He departed after scoring 134 runs from 178 deliveries, featuring 12 fours and six sixes.
This was Pant's third Test century on England soil. Also, he registered the highest score by a visiting wicketkeeper-batter at Headingley.
Batting coach's dig at Pant's critics
Pant, who is often criticised, for his attacking display was lauded by batting coach Sitanshu Kotak for his defensive shots.
“Rishabh Pant is someone who makes his own plans. He decides how to play and then he goes for it,” Kotak said at the press conference after Day 2's play.
“This innings was a little different than what you normally see from him. But that’s his plan. Just because he plays aggressive cricket doesn’t mean he cannot play defensive," he added.
Shastri hails 'outrageous' Pant
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri lauded Pant for being an 'enterainer' and 'match winner'.
"Outrageous. He (Pant) plays the numbers game beautifully, plays the way he wants. He will block for a bit and then shift gears," Shastri said on Sky Sports.
"He has his own computer and only he knows how it works. That's his USP. That's what puts bowlers under pressure and makes him box office, a real entertainer and a match winner," he added.
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