All eyes were on Rishabh Pant as he entered the fray with India B reeling at 22/3. The city of Bengaluru was abuzz with excitement, witnessing its biggest turnout so far for the Duleep Trophy encounter on a festive Saturday. The crowd, eager for some star-studded action, had already been treated to some quality cricket, particularly on the third day. Their anticipation had been dampened earlier when KL Rahul, after a painstaking 111-ball 37, was bowled out. However, the entrance of Pant during the second session electrified the atmosphere, dominated by a flurry of wickets and stellar bowling performances.
Pant’s competition for a spot in India’s Test team, Dhruv Jurel, had only managed to score 2 runs. Despite a highlight-worthy catch in front of the first slip during the first innings, Jurel’s performance was overshadowed by five sharp takes in the second. Pant, albeit under the radar for his wicketkeeping, had been tested with some errant deliveries, showing remarkable agility. Despite a few notable dives and a managed take down the leg side, his batting in the first innings was nothing short of a disappointment.
His initial stint at the crease lasted just 10 balls, each played with a certain rashness, culminating in an awkward dismissal against a disciplined Akash Deep. This performance, scrutinized by chief India selector Ajit Agarkar and panelist Shiv Sundar Das present at the ground, was underwhelming, to say the least. So, when Pant appeared for his second innings late in the second session, he faced Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan, who greeted him with knowing smiles and a few words of challenge. Pant, however, remained composed and focused.
The first 13 deliveries Pant faced were marked by restraint, though he managed to hit a couple of boundaries with a deft dab to third man and a solid punch through the offside. He accumulated 10 runs off five balls, remaining unbeaten as the tea break commenced. Post-break, Pant’s approach didn’t waver. He continued his watchful play, picking out boundaries when opportunities arose. But, soon after Akash Deep managed to pass his defense once, a shift in Pant’s demeanor was noticeable.
. A daring reverse lap was executed, narrowly missing Jurel and KL Rahul at first slip. Akash, persistent in his line and length, bowled another, only for Pant to attempt a slog. A top-edge ensued, resulting in a sky-high catch attempt by Jurel, who, unfortunately, misjudged and missed it. Pant was living dangerously, as another miscued pull the next over narrowly evaded Jurel once more.
Luck seemed to favor Pant during his comeback to red-ball cricket. He tackled Kuldeep Yadav’s spin with his trademark flair, executing cuts and drives with precision to notch up his 20th First Class fifty off just 37 balls. His previous First Class appearance had been a memorable Test match against Bangladesh in December 2022, where a brisk 93 significantly influenced India’s victory. However, shortly after that match, Pant’s life changed dramatically due to a severe car accident. His return to competitive cricket was delayed until earlier this year, when he was reintroduced to the Indian team following a solid performance in the Indian Premier League with the Delhi Capitals. Despite three fifties in the tournament, Pant’s international comeback had been lukewarm, highlighted only by a couple of forties in the T20 World Cup.
In this context, Pant’s batting was under intense scrutiny as India readies its selection for the upcoming Bangladesh Tests starting on September 19. Pant’s contributions in Test cricket have been substantial, especially in the format where his quick scoring ability had cemented his place in the Indian lineup. Over the three years leading up to his accident, Pant amassed four centuries, second only to Rohit Sharma’s five. His aggressive batting style and left-handed stance at No. 5 provided vital balance to the team.
Furthermore, even as Dhruv Jurel impressed with his sharp wicketkeeping skills, Pant’s flamboyant return poses a selection dilemma for the Indian panel. The resurgence of such a crucial player, notably in red-ball cricket, rekindles hope for India’s Test squad as they prepare for a pivotal series against Bangladesh. The competition for the spot intensifies, adding an element of intrigue and excitement to India’s cricketing prospects.