There are very few athletes in the world who are barely hated by any fanbase. For example, you can pick Luka Modric of Real Madrid. Even though he plays for their biggest rivals, Barcelona fans still show an iota of respect for the legendary Croatian. The same can be said about Kane Williamson of New Zealand or South Africa’s AB de Villiers. In India, the fans are more devoted to their players than their team. Be it the IPL or India’s one-off matches, you can witness Indian fan wars while defending their favourite players. While doing so, the fans never hesitate to disrespect a legend from their own country.
However, it’s not the same case with Rishabh Pant. The Southpaw is not only a fan’s favorite but he is even loved by rival teams and fans. He is a superstar and a very likeable cricketer. But that doesn’t mean Rishabh has stayed away from controversies. The 27-year-old has had a fair share of ups and downs in his illustrious career so far. Let’s have a look at it.
Biggest controversies against Rishabh Pant and how he handled them
No-ball incident vs Rajasthan Royals, 2022
Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant and assistant coach Pravin Amre faced disciplinary action following their team’s loss to Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022. Pant and Amre were fined their entire match fees, while Amre also received a one-match suspension. Additionally, Capitals’ bowler Shardul Thakur was fined 50% of his match fee for violating the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Code of Conduct. Pant admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.7 of the IPL Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction, while Thakur admitted to a Level 2 offence under Article 2.8. Amre admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.2.
The Delhi Capitals-Rajasthan Royals match ended in controversy. In the final over, a high full-toss from Obed McCoy was hit for six by Rovman Powell. The Capitals expected a no-ball call for height, but none was given. Powell and Kuldeep questioned umpires Nitin Menon and Nikhil Patwardhan. Captain Rishabh Pant and the Capitals dugout protested vigorously, despite rules prohibiting no-ball referrals without a wicket review. Assistant coach Pravin Amre intervened, while Shane Watson attempted to calm Pant. Jos Buttler, Rajasthan’s century-scorer, confronted Pant, expressing dismay. Rajasthan ended up winning by 15 runs.
Rishabh Pant was highly criticized for his aggressive approach on the pitch. England’s legend Kevin Pietersen called out Pant for his behaviour and termed it as “unacceptable”. While speaking about the incident, Pietersen said “Jos Butter had every right to walk over to Rishabh Pant and say: “What on earth were you doing?”. Rishabh Pant was calling them off, the guy wanted to walk off. For me that was unacceptable, and I hope I never see that again in the game of cricket because that is not why we play cricket and that is not how you are supposed to play cricket.”
However, Pant also had a lot to talk about the incident as he dealt with it in his own way. “I thought the no ball could have been precious for us. I thought we could have checked that no ball, but it’s not in my control. “Yes, disappointed, but can’t do much about it. Everyone was frustrated because it was not even close, so I thought it was only a no-ball. Everyone in the ground saw that,” Pant said. “I think the third umpire should have intervened in between and said it was a no-ball, but I can’t change the rule myself I guess” Pant added.
Rishabh Pant’s Drink and Drive Controversy, 2022
The entire country was at a standstill when we heard the dreadful news of Rishabh Pant’s life-threatening car accident in 2022. There was not a single soul in India who didn’t pray for the youngster’s timely recovery. By god’s grace, Rishabh Pant did recover fully and is back playing for Team India. However, many controversies claimed that Rishabh Pant was under the influence of alcohol while driving his car on 30th December 2022.
Rumours circulated alleging Rishabh Pant was intoxicated and speeding before his car accident. A resurfaced 3-year-old video conversation with Shikhar Dhawan seemingly suggested a history of Pant’s rash driving. However, CCTV footage appeared to show the vehicle hitting a road divider at high speed. Contrary to these claims, the Uttarakhand Police’s preliminary investigation found no evidence of overspeeding or intoxication.
Urvashi Rautela vs Rishabh Pant
We all remember the drama surrounding Rishabh Pant and Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela. Rishabh Pant was rumoured to be dating Rautela in 2018, the actress’s frequent appearances in Indian games made the speculations a pretty strong one. However, Rishabh Pant has frequently denied any such relation with the model-turned-actress. Recently, Urvashi Rautela also claimed that she never went out with the Indian superstar.
Let us break down to you what happened during the entire controversy
In 2018, Urvashi Rautela and Rishabh Pant reportedly met at a hotel in Mumbai, sparking rumours of a potential relationship. Many media outlets claimed they were introduced by common friends. Urvashi Rautela, 24 at the time, was already an established actress, while Rishabh Pant, 20, was rising through cricket ranks.
In an interview in the year 2019, Urvashi Rautela mentioned “RP” when asked about her “favourite cricketer,” leading to speculation. She also praised Rishabh Pant’s cricket skills and personality. Media started linking them romantically, citing frequent meetings and social media interactions.
Rishabh Pant unfollowed Urvashi Rautela on social media, fueling breakup rumours in 2020. Urvashi Rautela removed Rishabh Pant’s name from her Instagram bio. Sources close to Rishabh Pant went ahead and denied any romantic involvement.
However, in the year 2022, Urvashi Rautela shared an Instagram story mentioning “Mr. RP” and “couple goals,” reigniting speculation. Rishabh Pant’s car was spotted outside Urvashi Rautela’s residence, further fueling rumours. Urvashi Rautela claimed they were “just friends.”
When the rumours started getting stronger, Rishabh Pant said, “I’m focused on cricket, not controversies.” Urvashi Rautela claimed that they were just friends and nothing else. However, the media still speculated that something was cooking between the two celebrities.
