Gill's Stunning Catch Ends Pant's Return in Duleep Trophy

Gill’s Stunning Catch Ends Pant’s Return in Duleep Trophy

Rishabh Pant’s eagerly awaited return to red-ball cricket after his horrific car accident in December 2022 was cut short on Thursday, as India A captain Shubman Gill pulled off a breathtaking catch to dismiss the left-hander on day one of the first-round Duleep Trophy match against India B in Bengaluru.

Pant, who was making his first appearance in a competitive match since the accident, lasted just 10 balls before Gill’s stunning effort ended his innings. Trying to hit fast bowler Akash Deep towards the on-side, Pant sliced the ball towards mid-off, where Gill was stationed.

Gill, despite the ball appearing to be sailing over his head, never lost sight of it. Running backwards, he looked to be a yard or two short, but he dived full length at the last second to make up for it and pouch the ball.

Earlier, Gill won the toss and India A opted to bowl first to make use of any early moisture because of rains lashing Bengaluru over the past few days. India B got off to a sedate start, losing two wickets before lunch to reach 65 for 2 in 30 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissed after getting his eye in. He scored 30.

The post lunch session saw a flurry of wickets as India B slipped to 94 for 7, with only Musheer Khan showing some resistance, while approaching a patient fifty. Pacers Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep and Avesh Khan took two wickets each.

Pant’s dismissal was a major setback for India A, who were hoping for a strong performance from the star wicketkeeper-batsman. However, Gill’s stunning catch proved to be a turning point in the match, as India B went on to post a respectable total of 242 all out.

Rishabh Pant Gears Up for Red-Ball Comeback in Duleep Trophy

Rishabh Pant Gears Up for Red-Ball Comeback in Duleep Trophy

Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicket-keeper batter, is gearing up for his red-ball comeback in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, commencing on September 5. The tournament will serve as a crucial platform for Pant to regain his form and prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

After recovering from a horrific car accident in December 2022, Pant has been working tirelessly to regain his fitness and skills. He recently shared a training video on Instagram, showcasing his customary shots and emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the game.

Pant’s return to the field is highly anticipated, especially considering his impressive record in red-ball cricket. Since his Test debut in 2018, he has amassed 2,271 runs in 33 matches, averaging 43.67 with a strike rate of over 73. His tally includes five centuries and 11 fifties, with a top score of 159*.

In the Duleep Trophy, Pant will represent India B in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19. As one of India’s leading red-ball batters, Pant is expected to play a pivotal role in his team’s success.

Following the Duleep Trophy, Pant will turn his attention to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, beginning on November 22. Pant has a remarkable record in Australia, having scored 624 runs in seven matches at an average of over 62. His performances include a century and two half-centuries, with a career-best score of 159* against the Aussies.

Pant’s return to red-ball cricket is a significant development for Indian cricket. His aggressive batting style and ability to score runs quickly make him a valuable asset to the team. Fans and selectors alike will be eagerly monitoring his performance in the Duleep Trophy, as it will provide a glimpse into his readiness for the upcoming challenges.

Rishabh Pant Responds to Fan's Unusual Request with Heartfelt Message

Rishabh Pant Responds to Fan’s Unusual Request with Heartfelt Message

Rishabh Pant’s Heartfelt Response to a Fan’s Unusual Request

Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant has garnered attention for his compassionate response to a fan’s unconventional request. The fan, struggling to fund his engineering education, reached out to Pant on social media, hoping for financial assistance.

Despite the unusual nature of the request, Pant took the time to respond, offering words of encouragement and support. “Keep chasing your dreams. God has better plans always,” Pant wrote.

While the fan did not receive the financial aid he sought, he expressed gratitude for Pant’s response, hoping it would draw attention to his situation. Pant’s gesture highlights the human side of celebrity athletes, who often face a barrage of requests from their fans.

Pant’s response also reflects his personal journey. After suffering a career-threatening injury in late 2022, he has made a remarkable comeback, showcasing his resilience and determination.

The incident serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and the importance of supporting those in need. Pant’s response has resonated with fans, who have praised him for his empathy and compassion.

Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant Share Heartwarming Moment in Delhi Premier League Opener

Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant Share Heartwarming Moment in Delhi Premier League Opener

Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant Share Heartwarming Moment in Delhi Premier League Opener

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, out-of-favour India batter Shikhar Dhawan and his national and state teammate Rishabh Pant shared a warm hug during the Delhi Premier League 2024 opener at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. Dhawan, the co-owner of South Delhi Superstars, and Pant, the captain of the Purani Dilli 6 team, were playing against each other in the opening game of the tournament.

On the sidelines of the match, Dhawan was giving an interview to the host broadcaster when Pant, after getting dismissed for a 35 off 32, walked past him. Dhawan stopped his interview mid-way and shared a warm hug with the wicketkeeper-batter. The picture of the two players embracing has gone viral on social media, showcasing the strong bond between them despite their current cricketing situations.

In the match itself, remarkable fifties from skipper Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya led the South Delhi Superstarz to a three-wicket victory over Purani Dilli 6. Arpit Rana’s 59 off 41 and Vansh Bedi’s 47 off 19 helped Purani Dilli 6 put up a competitive 197/3 in 20 overs, but South Delhi Superstarz chased down the target in 19.1 overs.

South Delhi Superstarz began their run chase aggressively, smashing 73 runs in the Powerplay thanks to the free-flowing strokes from opener Priyansh Arya and Sarthak Ray. Arya reached his fifty off 27 balls, while Badoni struck four consecutive sixes in the 12th over to take the team’s total to 140/1. However, Purani Dilli 6 fought back, claiming four wickets in quick succession to shift the momentum.

Badoni (57 off 29) and Tejasvi (0 off 1) were dismissed in the 15th over, Kunwar Bidhuri (5 off 7) in the 17th over, and Sumit Mathur (9 off 10) fell in the 18th over, leaving South Delhi needing 13 runs off the last two overs. Vision Panchal and Digvesh Rathi then displayed resilience, chasing down the target with five balls to spare.

Earlier, Purani Dilli 6 were invited to bat first and faced an early setback when Manjeet (13 off 8) was dismissed in the third over. Arpit Rana and Rishabh Pant then took control of the innings, guiding Purani Dilli 6 to 58/1 by the end of the powerplay. Rana reached his fifty off 37 balls, while Pant played a supporting role. The duo brought up the team’s 100-run mark in the 13th over. However, Rana (59 off 41) was dismissed in the same over, and Pant followed soon after, dismissed by Kunwar Bidhuri in the 15th over after scoring 35 runs off 32 balls.

With Purani Dilli 6 at 129/3 after 15 overs, Vansh Bedi and Lalit Yadav upped the tempo, adding 79 runs in 34 balls. Bedi’s quickfire 47* off 19 balls and Yadav’s 34* off 21 powered Purani Dilli 6 to an impressive total of 197/3 in their allotted 20 overs.

Rishabh Pant Channels Rajinikanth, Recreates Iconic 'Kabali' Pose

Rishabh Pant Channels Rajinikanth, Recreates Iconic ‘Kabali’ Pose

Rishabh Pant, India’s star wicket-keeper batsman, has showcased his love for cinema by recreating an iconic pose from Rajinikanth’s film ‘Kabali.’ The post, which went viral on social media, garnered over 600,000 likes within six hours of being uploaded.

Pant’s admiration for Rajinikanth is evident in his regal outfit and the caption ‘Thalaiva,’ meaning ‘leader’ or ‘boss’ in Tamil. The pose, which has become synonymous with the legendary South Indian actor, is a testament to Pant’s appreciation for Rajinikanth’s cinematic legacy.

Pant’s love for cinema extends beyond this particular post. He has previously expressed his admiration for actors such as Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. This passion for the silver screen reflects Pant’s multifaceted personality, which combines his cricketing prowess with a keen interest in entertainment.

On the cricket field, Pant has had a remarkable 2024. After recovering from a horrific car accident, he piled up 446 runs in IPL 2024 and played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. Despite a disappointing tour of Sri Lanka, Pant remains India’s leading wicket-keeper batsman candidate across formats.

Pant is expected to play a significant role in India’s upcoming home series against New Zealand and subsequent tour of Australia for Tests. He is also set to feature in the Duleep Trophy 2024, representing India B alongside several other Indian stars.

Pant’s recent performance in the Delhi Premier League, where he scored 35 runs in 32 balls, suggests that he is in good form ahead of these upcoming challenges. His passion for cinema and his cricketing abilities make him a unique and captivating figure in the world of sports and entertainment.

Rishabh Pant's Test Captaincy Prospects Questioned After Duleep Trophy Squad Announcement

Rishabh Pant’s Test Captaincy Prospects Questioned After Duleep Trophy Squad Announcement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squads for the first round of the Duleep Trophy 2024-25, scheduled to commence on September 5. Notably, India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will make his return to red-ball cricket in the tournament.

Pant has been included in ‘Team B’ but surprisingly, he has not been appointed as the captain. Instead, Abhimanyu Easwaran has been entrusted with the leadership role. This decision has raised questions from former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, who believes Pant should be considered for the Test captaincy.

“Rishabh Pant is not a captain. He has been selected in Abhimanyu Easwaran’s team. He is playing under Abhimanyu Easwaran’s captaincy, which is absolutely okay. However, is Rishabh Pant not even a candidate for Test captaincy? I am a little surprised,” Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Chopra emphasized Pant’s exceptional performance in Test cricket, highlighting his centuries in South Africa, England, and Australia. He believes Pant’s consistency and aggressive style of play make him a suitable candidate for the captaincy.

“I am not aligned with this personally because the best avatar of Rishabh Pant you have seen is as a Test cricketer. He is the only wicketkeeper in the history of Indian cricket who has scored centuries in South Africa, England, and Australia in Test matches. The way he plays in Test cricket and the consistency with which he scores, he was the captaincy candidate in my opinion,” Chopra added.

Chopra also expressed curiosity about India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir’s views on Pant’s captaincy potential. “However, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, and even Abhimanyu Easwaran are captains, but Pant is not a captain, and that is a huge takeaway in my opinion,” he said.

“A new era has started. So I will be very curious to know what Gautam’s opinion is with regards to Rishabh Pant the captain,” added the ex-India batter.

Rishabh Pant Makes Measured Return in Delhi Premier League Debut

Rishabh Pant Makes Measured Return in Delhi Premier League Debut

Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, made a measured return to competitive cricket in his Delhi Premier League (DPL) debut on Saturday. Captaining Purani Dilli 6, Pant scored a composed 35 runs off 32 deliveries against South Delhi Superstarz at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

While the knock lacked the explosive flair Pant is known for, it showcased his evolving approach and adaptability. His innings, featuring four boundaries and a six, came at a strike rate of 109, indicating a more calculated strategy compared to his usual aggressive style.

Pant’s return to the field was met with much fanfare. Prior to the match, he was felicitated by Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla for his pivotal role in India’s recent ICC T20 World Cup triumph.

In the World Cup, Pant played a crucial role, amassing 171 runs in eight innings at an average of 24.42. His highest score of 42 came in challenging conditions at the Nassau County Stadium in the USA, demonstrating his temperament and ability to anchor the innings when needed. Beyond his batting contributions, Pant was exceptional behind the stumps, claiming 13 catches and effecting one stumping to finish with a tournament-high 14 dismissals.

Pant’s participation added further luster to the inaugural edition of the Delhi Premier League, which commenced with a star-studded opening ceremony at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The event, featuring performances by music icon Badshah and actress Sonam Bajwa, was attended by prominent figures from the DDCA, franchise owners, players, and support staff from all participating teams.

The tournament, scheduled to run from August 17 to September 8, 2024, promises 23 days of exhilarating cricketing action. A total of 40 matches – 33 in the men’s category and 7 in the women’s – are slated to be played, offering a platform for both established and emerging talent to showcase their skills.

Rishabh Pant to Ignite Delhi Premier League T20 Opener

Rishabh Pant to Ignite Delhi Premier League T20 Opener

Rishabh Pant to Grace Delhi Premier League T20 Opener, Boosting Young Talent

In a significant development for the inaugural Delhi Premier League T20 (DPLT20), Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has confirmed his participation in the opening match of the season on August 17. Pant will don the colors of Purani Delhi 6 against South Delhi Superstarz, led by Ayush Badoni, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Pant’s presence will be a major boost for the tournament, which aims to provide a platform for aspiring cricketers in Delhi. The 25-year-old has been a key figure in India’s recent success, playing a pivotal role in the team’s Test and limited-overs victories.

Purani Delhi 6 will also field another experienced campaigner in Ishant Sharma alongside Pant. Pant’s participation was initially uncertain due to his busy international schedule. However, he has made a commitment to play the first match to support the initiative and acknowledge the role Delhi cricket has played in his career.

“Rishabh has agreed to play the first match of the DPLT20 as he wanted to be a part of this initiative that is likely to provide a great platform for youngsters in Delhi,” a source close to Pant told TOI.

While Pant is eager to gain match practice after missing 15 months of cricket due to a car accident, his preparation for the upcoming international season remains a priority. He will return to red-ball training after the first match of the DPL and focus on preparing for the long-format season, starting with the Duleep Trophy in early September.

The DDCA and Purani Delhi 6 management have expressed their appreciation for Pant’s gesture while respecting his commitments. Pant’s participation in the DPLT20 opener is expected to generate significant excitement and inspire young cricketers in Delhi.

Rishabh Pant Set for Red-Ball Comeback in Duleep Trophy

Rishabh Pant Set for Red-Ball Comeback in Duleep Trophy

Rishabh Pant, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make his long-awaited return to red-ball cricket in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which marks the commencement of India’s 2024-25 domestic season on September 5. This will be Pant’s first first-class appearance since his horrific car accident in December 2022.

Pant’s inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad is a significant development, as it signals his recovery from the injuries sustained in the accident. He has been undergoing rehabilitation and training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and is now deemed fit to return to competitive cricket.

However, Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, will not be part of any of the four Duleep Trophy squads. Shami is nearing full fitness and has begun bowling at full tilt, but he is targeting a comeback during the two-Test series against Bangladesh from September 19. He will continue his training under the NCA’s supervision in Bengaluru.

The Duleep Trophy squads also feature the return of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who had lost their central contracts for not prioritizing domestic cricket last season. Other top players included in the squads are KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Kuldeep Yadav.

Notably, Test captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah have been given an extended break ahead of India’s home season. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who has been sidelined with a quadriceps tendon injury since January 2024, is also set to make a comeback in the Duleep Trophy.

The selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, has rewarded domestic form, as evidenced by the inclusion of Mumbai all-rounder Musheer Khan. The 19-year-old had a breakout year, playing a key role in India’s Under-19 World Cup squad and Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been included subject to fitness, as he is recovering from a sports hernia surgery in June.

The Duleep Trophy 2024-25 squads are as follows:

Team A: Shubman Gill (capt), Mayank Agarwal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KL Rahul, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Vidwath Kaverappa, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat.

Team B: Abhimanyu Easwaran (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Yash Dayal, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (wk)

Team C: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Abishek Porel (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, B Indrajith, Hrithik Shokeen, Manav Suthar, Umran Malik, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Anshul Khamboj, Himanshu Chauhan, Mayank Markande, Aryan Juyal (wk), Sandeep Warrier

Team D: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (wk), Saurabh Kumar

Pant, Ishant to Grace Delhi Premier League Debut

Pant, Ishant to Grace Delhi Premier League Debut

Delhi Premier League to Feature International Stars Pant and Ishant

New Delhi is set to host its inaugural T20 league, the Delhi Premier League (DPL), starting August 17. The league will feature six men’s teams and four women’s teams, with international stars Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma expected to take the field.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) unveiled the league on Tuesday, with former India opener Virender Sehwag as the ambassador. The draft was also conducted, with Pant and Ishant being picked up by Purani Delhi 6. Harshit Rana, currently with the Indian team in Sri Lanka, was selected by North Delhi Strikers.

However, the availability of these India players is subject to their national team commitments. “The India players’ eventual availability will depend on their commitments to the national team. However, Rishabh has given his consent to be placed in the draft for now,” said DDCA president Rohan Jaitley.

The DPL joins a growing number of state T20 leagues in India. Sehwag believes such platforms are crucial for the development of young players. “In our younger days, we used to only think of playing for India or Delhi. Now, the young generation wants to play T20. These leagues will help them get noticed,” he said.

Sehwag emphasized that the younger generation should not neglect longer formats. “This DPL will help you get noticed. But to grow as a player, you will have to play four-day cricket. Like IPL is a basis for selection for Indian team, DPL will also do the same for Delhi team,” he added.

Jaitley assured that the DDCA’s primary focus remains on Delhi’s long-format team. He also stated that the league has received BCCI approval after thorough checks and that there will be zero tolerance for any corrupt activities.

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