Former India head coach Ravi Shastri praised Rishabh Pant’s remarkable innings of 134 runs off 178 balls against England in the opening Test at Leeds on June 22. Pant’s innings, featuring 12 fours and six sixes, included unconventional shots and a celebratory somersault after reaching his century.The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter achieved his seventh Test century, marking his second since recovering from a severe car crash in late 2022.Pant showcased his unique batting style, including a ‘falling paddle’ shot and reached his century with a one-handed six over mid-wicket off spinner Shoaib Bashir.
“Outrageous. He 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,” Shastri elaborated about Pant’s approach.Shastri reflected on Pant’s recovery from the accident, explaining the significance of his celebration. “That’s why there was that celebration. Thanking the man upstairs for giving him the opportunity.”“I think his recovery from that accident had a lot to do with the frame of his body and being mid-20s. When I saw him in hospital, it wasn’t a pretty sight. Knee in a mess, scars all over the face, bruises all over the body,” Shastri added.
Former Surrey and Sussex batter Ian Ward, while commentating for Sky Sports, praised Pant’s performance. “This fella is box office. One of the great entertainers and one of the best hundred celebrations I have seen. He’s a character, this boy.”The innings also impressed Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who had previously criticized Pant’s shot selection during the Australia series. After witnessing Pant’s performance in Leeds, Gavaskar repeatedly said “superb, superb, superb.”The unorthodox batter’s performance at Headingley demonstrated his recovery and return to form, entertaining the crowd with his distinctive batting style and memorable celebration.
