India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant lightened up the mood after team's 10-wicket defeat against Australia in Adelaide Test on December 8. In a light-hearted incident during the Day 3 innings break, Pant playfully pranked former Australian captain Adam Gilchrist. As Gilchrist was in the middle of a live interview, Pant sneaked up behind him and covered his eyes.
Rishabh Pant’s playful prank on Adam Gilchrist
The surprise caught Gilchrist off guard, but he quickly recovered and smiled. Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was part of the commentary panel, jokingly referred to it as a 'wicket-keeper’s reunion'. The two cricketers shared a friendly chat and a warm hug, showcasing the camaraderie between them. Gilchrist later acknowledged that he was taken aback by Pant’s playful gesture but enjoyed the light-hearted moment.
Australia avenge Perth defeat, bulldoze India in Adelaide
While India suffered a crushing defeat, Rishabh Pant's playful interaction with Adam Gilchrist brought a smile to the faces of fans. However, Pant's on-field contributions were limited, with scores of 21 and 28 in the two innings. India's overall batting performance was lackluster, as they were bowled out for 180 and 175 in the two innings. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were the primary architects of India's batting collapse, delivering destructive bowling spells that exposed the team's vulnerabilities.
Australia's formidable bowling attack, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, dismantled India's batting lineup in both innings. The hosts' dominant performance left India with a daunting target of just 19 runs to win the Test. Australia chased down the lowly target without losing a single wicket and levelled the series 1-1.
Australia reclaims top spot in WTC points table, India slide down
Australia's dominant performance in the second Test against India in Adelaide has propelled them back to the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 standings.
India, on the other hand, has suffered a setback, slipping to third place in the WTC standings. Their recent defeat has impacted their percentage points, and they will need to perform consistently in the upcoming matches to regain their momentum. South Africa, currently engaged in a Test series against Sri Lanka, has the opportunity to further climb the WTC ladder. A victory in their ongoing series could potentially elevate them to the top spot.