Rishabh Pant delivered a spectacular response to critics with a blistering half-century off just 29 balls, keeping India firmly in the hunt during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy finale against Australia in Sydney. Pant’s explosive knock came after the India wicketkeeper-batter faced sharp criticism from legendary players Sunil Gavaskar and Gautam Gambhir following his earlier dismissals in the series.
Gavaskar had labeled Pant’s approach as “stupid” after the young batter’s rash dismissal in the first innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) when he attempted an ill-timed ramp shot. Further backlash followed after Pant fell to Travis Head’s part-time spin, contributing to India’s collapse in that Test.
However, Pant responded emphatically in Sydney. After a more cautious display in the first innings, where he battled through a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, Pant unleashed his signature attacking style in the second innings. Coming in after Virat Kohli’s departure, Pant didn’t take long to make an impact, smacking his first ball for a six.
The wicketkeeper-batter then launched into full attack mode, hitting four sixes, including two back-to-back against Mitchell Starc. He reached his 50 off just 29 balls, falling just one ball short of breaking his own record for the fastest Test fifty by an Indian. Pant’s explosive batting made him the highlight of the innings, as he took on some of Australia’s best bowlers, including Pat Cummins and debutant Beau Webster, scoring freely.
Despite Pant’s valiant effort, which left the crowd in awe and India with a fighting chance, he eventually edged one off Cummins and departed for 61 off 33 balls. His performance was a crucial moment in India’s pursuit, as they ended Day 2 at 141/6, with Ravindra Jadeja (8) and Washington Sundar (6) still at the crease. Australia had been bowled out for 181 earlier in the day, with India trailing by just 44 runs.
