Rishabh Pant discloses preferred batting position in IPL 2019: The DC wicket-keeper batsman opened up on his batting number.
Delhi Capitals wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant was declared the ‘Man of the Match’ for his ninth IPL half-century against Mumbai Indians in his team’ IPL 2019 season opener in Mumbai.
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In what was a blistering innings, the 21-year old cricketer was seen playing some outrageous shots which included emulation of Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s helicopter shot and a monumental one-handed six.
Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Pant reflected on his cricketing journey and expressed joy in contributing to the team’s victory. “It’s been a great journey, trying to learn every day in my cricketing career. Always a great feeling when you score runs and the team wins,” Pant was quoted as saying.
Other than all the numbers associated with Pant’s innings, what ended up being the real highlight was the sheer dominant manner in which he took on the Mumbai Indians bowlers. His short-arm flicks off the fast bowlers for sixes were a delight for cricket fans.
Being asked if he pre-plans these shots or are they a mere result of his instincts, Pant said that batting according to the situations is his first priority. “I always bat according to the situation all the time. Today when I came in, I had to up the ante and so took my chances. It came off tonight,” Pant said.
Rishabh Pant on his batting position
Talking about his shots, the southpaw said that the T20 format asks him to do something different. “Especially in T20, you have to do something different. Sometimes when bowlers cramp you for room, you got to make your own room,” Pant added.
While Pant was expected to bat at No. 4 for DC, he eventually came out at No. 5 after Colin Ingram (47). For him to score 78* (27) after coming in to bat in the 14th over speaks highly about his craft. Being asked about his preferred batting position, Pant said, “Well, [pauses], glad to bat anywhere the team wants me to.”
How Twitter reacted:
New name, name game – @DelhiCapitals are scripting the #GameBanayegaName story we’re talking about! 🙌
Here are all the numbers from #MIvDC! Don’t forget to watch the #VIVOIPL action, tomorrow 7 PM onwards LIVE on Star Sports! pic.twitter.com/YDLEGfQmA8
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 24, 2019
Only one word for Rishabh Pant today. Wow. The sixes were exquisite but the boundary to get to 50 was simply special.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 24, 2019
Fewest balls to an #IPL individual 50 agst MI
18 – Rishabh Pant for DC today
20 – MS Dhoni for CSK 2012#MIvDC#IPL2019#IPL12— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 24, 2019
rishabh pant has ensured that the russell innings isn’t even the most explosive played in the last couple of hours #MIvDC
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) March 24, 2019
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