Rishabh Pant is no stranger to thrilling moments on the cricket field, especially when it comes to his penchant for hitting sixes. Known for his aggressive batting style, Pant often defies the conventional wisdom that suggests caution during the ‘nervous nineties.’ This fearless approach, however, led to a poignant moment during the first Test match between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. As Pant approached what could have been his seventh Test century, he found himself just one run short, leaving fans and teammates alike in disbelief.
Rishabh Pant smacks Tim Southee out of the stadium
On Day 4 of the Test match, with Pant batting at 90 runs, Tim Southee delivered a ball in the 87th over of the Indian innings that would become a highlight of the day. In a stunning display of power, Pant executed a slog sweep that sent the ball soaring over square leg for an astonishing 107-meter six. The shot was so remarkable that it left New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, fielding nearby, utterly astonished—his jaw dropped in disbelief as he watched the ball clear the boundary. Even KL Rahul, who was batting alongside Pant, momentarily stood in shock before breaking into a smile at the spectacle he had just witnessed.
Also READ: IND vs NZ: Rishabh Pant misses century by a whisker; fans call him a ‘Nervous 90s Victim’
Here’s the video:
𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸! 😍
Rishabh Pant smacks a 1⃣0⃣7⃣m MAXIMUM! 💥
Live – https://t.co/FS97Llv5uq#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/4UHngQLh47
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 19, 2024
M Chinnaswamy crowd’s roar turns to silence
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the crowd erupted in cheers following Pant’s massive hit. However, their joy was short-lived. Just moments later, Pant’s innings came to an abrupt end when he was bowled by William O’Rourke for 99 runs. The sudden shift from exhilaration to heartbreak was palpable; fans who had been celebrating were left in stunned silence as Pant walked off the field, narrowly missing out on what many believed would have been a well-deserved century.
Pant’s aggressive style of play has always set him apart from other batters who might hesitate when nearing a century. His ability to take risks and play audacious shots has made him a fan favourite and a crucial player for India. While this particular innings ended in disappointment, it also showcased his remarkable talent and fearlessness on the field.
Pant’s near-century was both a thrilling display of cricketing prowess and a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the sport. As fans reflect on his spectacular six and subsequent dismissal, they are left eagerly anticipating his next innings—hoping it will culminate in that elusive hundred.