[Watch] "Dhile pad ke nahi kaam chalega" - Rishabh Pant motivates Indian players on Day 2 of BGT 2024-25 1st Test
Team India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was seen urging his teammates to put in extra effort on Day 2 (Saturday, November 23) of the side's ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series opener against Australia in Perth. The stumper was heard asking the Indian players not to slack off.
Australian tailenders Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood frustrated the Indian bowlers with a crucial 25-run partnership for the last wicket. At that juncture, Pant realized that he would have to lift the spirits of Team India's players.
In a video shared by Star Sports on Instagram, Pant can be heard saying:
"Dhile pad ke nahi kaam chalega bhai! Wasu, thoda mahol banana padega. Lagana thoda! Dum lagana padega bhai!"
India finally managed to bowl out Australia as Harshit Rana got the better of Mitchell Starc in the 52nd over. Starc attempted to slog but failed to get the desired connection. The ball took a thick edge of the bat and flew high in the air, as Rishabh Pant completed the catch.
Meanwhile, India won the toss and chose to bat first in the Perth Test. However, their batters struggled to get going, resulting in the side getting bundled out for a paltry score of 150.
Despite the poor score, the side have gained a commanding position in the match, courtesy of their bowlers. Skipper Jasprit Bumrah led from the front with his inspired spell, bagging a stunning five-wicket haul. India ultimately took a 46-run first-innings lead as Australia were bowled out for 104.
Rishabh Pant played an impactful knock in the first innings of the Perth Test
India found themselves in a precarious position, with their top-order batters back in the pavilion early in the first innings. The onus was on Rishabh Pant to steer his team's ship out of choppy waters.
The southpaw played an impactful knock under pressure, scoring 37 runs off 78 balls. He was India's second-highest run-getter in the innings. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy was the top performer with the bat, finishing with 41 runs from 59 deliveries.
Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the Australian bowlers. The experienced pacer claimed four wickets, while Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Starc took two wickets a piece.