The 2nd day of the final warm-up game between India and Australia was written in the name of Rishabh Pant, who struck a brilliant century to raise his case ahead of the first Test in Adelaide. The outstanding knock earned praise from all quarters including Aakash Chopra.
After being bundled out for a paltry 194 all-out in the first innings in Sydney, Team India folded Australia A’s innings for a mere 108 courtesy Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Shami and Mohammad Siraj. The Indian batsmen were in their elements in the second essay taking on the Australian bowlers.
Shubman Gill (65) and Mayank Agarwal (61) provided a strong start before Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant made a merry on the Sydney Cricket Ground wicket. India declared the innings on 386 for four with Vihari remain unbeaten on 104 while Pant contributed with 103 including nine boundaries and six sixes.
Reminds me of Adam Gilchrist – Rishabh Pant
The Delhi youngster made a strong case to be included in India’s playing XI for the Adelaide Test starting December 17. In the light of this knock, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra heaped praise on Rishabh Pant comparing him with former Aussie great Adam Gilchrist.
“The player of the day, although I wanted to keep Hanuma Vihari, but I have changed it to Rishabh Pant. Because if you destroy the opposition like this at the end. This is the quality that this guy has. He is like Adam Gilchrist.
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Obviously Adam Gilchrist has achieved a lot but Rishabh Pant’s story has just started. But when he plays, he reminds you of him, it feels like he can reach close to him,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Rishabh Pant came out to bat at No. 6 following Rahane’s dismissal, with India 239-4. The left-hander stitched an unbeaten 147-run stand for the fifth-wicket with Hanuma Vihari. This was Pant’s last opportunity and he grabbed it with both hands.
“Because if he comes in the lower order and changes the game in a single session, that ability is there in Rishabh Pant. He was under a lot of pressure, he had not scored in the last innings and this was his last chance. He had not even played the first warm-up match.”
“The last 30 to 45 minutes of the final session was completely dominated by Rishabh Pant. He made everyone aware of his amazing capabilities,” Aakash Chopra signed off.
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