Rishabh Pant’s name evokes images of audacious sixes launched effortlessly into the stands, audacious flicks that defy the bowler’s plans, and an infectious energy that electrifies the entire stadium. This swashbuckling wicket-keeper batsman has become a force to be reckoned with in the Indian Premier League, consistently delivering match-winning performances for the Delhi Capitals. From his early days as a promising youngster to his current role as a seasoned leader, Pant carved a niche for himself as a player who thrives under pressure. Here, let us take a look at 3 of his best knocks in the cash-rich league:
3. 88* vs Gujarat Titans, 2024
Just yesterday, Rishabh Pant, the captain of Delhi Capitals, produced a match-winning knock against Gujarat Titans. Batting first, Delhi Capitals got off to a decent start but lost wickets at regular intervals. Pant, coming in at number five, found himself in a familiar situation – anchoring the innings and guiding the team to a respectable total.
He played a mature captain’s knock, mixing caution with aggression. He ensured that the scoreboard kept ticking while picking boundaries at regular intervals. As the remaining overs dwindled, Pant upped the ante, finding the boundary with ease. He had finished unbeaten on a well-composed 88 off just 43 balls (4 fours, 8 sixes) and took Delhi Capitals to a huge total of 224. His knock proved to be crucial as Delhi Capitals successfully defended the total, winning the match by 4 runs.
2. 97 vs Gujarat Lions, 2017
This knock of 2017 marked Pant’s arrival on the big stage. Delhi Daredevils, as they were known back then, were chasing a challenging target of 209 set by Gujarat Lions. Pant, a young and relatively inexperienced player during the time, came in order to bat at number four with the score at 24-1. Partnering with the talented Sanju Samson, he stitched together a crucial partnership that laid the foundation for the chase.
Pant displayed a maturity beyond his years, playing his shots sensibly while keeping the scoreboard ticking. He showcased his wide repertoire of strokes, peppering his innings with boundaries and sixes. The required run rate climbed, Pant switched gears, taking on the Gujarat Lions bowlers with even more aggression. He fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved century, getting dismissed for a well-made 97 off just 43 balls. Despite his dismissal, Delhi Daredevils pulled off a memorable victory, eventually winning with more than 2 overs to spare. Pant’s knock announced his arrival as a player to watch in the IPL.
1. 128 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2018:
In a display of pure power-hitting runs, Rishabh Pant single-handedly took the bowling attack of Sunrisers Hyderabad to the cleaners in IPL 2018. Batting at number 5, he found himself in a precarious situation early on with the score at 3 down for 43. Undeterred, Pant unleashed a whirlwind innings, treating the bowlers with disdain.
The boundaries flowed freely, with some audacious shots over long-on and deep mid-wicket. He ended with 128 off just 63 balls (15 fours, 7 sixes) and his knock was a masterclass in aggression and laid the foundation for a competitive total for Delhi Capitals.
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