“Greatest wicket-keeper batsman India has ever produced” - Fans react to Rishabh Pant’s gritty knock of 64 in IND vs NZ 3rd Test 2024
On a tough day for Indian cricket, wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant stood out as the only bright spot on Day 3 of the third and final Test against New Zealand (Sunday, November 3). Chasing 147 on a tricky Wankhede wicket, the hosts lost half of their side for 29 runs.
The southpaw was the lone fighter for Team India, reaching his fifty in just 48 balls. Pant seemed poised to lead India to victory before a controversial decision cut his innings short at 64 off 57 balls, including nine boundaries and one six.
India required 41 runs to win when he was dismissed with three wickets remaining. However, it was New Zealand who prevailed, defeating the hosts by 25 runs.
With this victory, the Black Caps completed a 3-0 whitewash of India, becoming the first team to achieve a clean sweep in a three-match series on Indian soil.
Although it was a tough day for the hosts, fans took to social media to commend Pant for his determined fifty. Here are some reactions on X:
“There shouldn’t be any doubt now that Rishabh Pant is the greatest wicket-keeper batsman India has ever produced. Well played Spidey."
“Rishabh Pant plays for my country. It’s a flex, honour, arrogance, and privilege,” a fan wrote.
“Rishabh Pant’s consistency needs to be praised a lot more. Despite his high-risk high-reward approach, the way he’s consistently churned out runs (and most in adverse conditions) is unbelievable. On his way to become a genuine all-time great in Test cricket as a pure batter," wrote another.
“Rishabh Pant delivering under pressure yet again! Consistent, fearless, and unstoppable," said another.
Rishabh Pant has six centuries to his name in Test cricket, the joint most by an Indian wicketkeeper
Since debuting in Test cricket in 2018, Rishabh Pant has made significant contributions to India's success in the longer format. The 27-year-old has played 38 Tests, scoring 2,693 runs at an average of 44.14, with 14 half-centuries and six centuries—tying with former captain MS Dhoni for the most by an Indian wicketkeeper.
In 2024, the left-hander has participated in five Tests, accumulating 422 runs at an average of 46.88, including three fifties and one century.