At just 26 years old, Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicketkeeper, has already experienced a roller-coaster journey in his cricketing career. His remarkable rise to fame began when he smashed a blistering 18-ball fifty against Nepal in the 2016 ICC U-19 World Cup. This explosive performance caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide and paved the way for his entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Pant was quickly snapped up by the Delhi Daredevils (now known as Delhi Capitals) at the IPL auction in the same year. His aggressive style of play and ability to dominate bowlers made him a fan favorite and earned him a place in the limelight.
Early Days and Training
Born in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant’s interest in cricket developed at a young age. His family recognized his talent and relocated to Delhi in search of better training facilities. Under the guidance of coach Tarak Sinha at the Sonnet Cricket Academy, Pant honed his skills and prepared for a promising future in cricket.
Domestic Success
Pant’s journey continued as he played district-level U-14 and U-16 tournaments in Rajasthan. However, he returned to Delhi and made his first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy when he was just 18 years old. His breakthrough moment came in 2015 when he smashed a triple century against Maharashtra, setting numerous domestic records. The following season, Pant’s explosive century off only 48 balls against Jharkhand solidified his status as a rising star in Indian domestic cricket.
IPL Stardom
Expectations were high when Rishabh Pant made his IPL debut in 2016. Representing Delhi Daredevils, he impressed with 198 runs in 10 matches. His impressive performances led to him being appointed as the captain of the team in 2021, a role he continued in the subsequent season. In 98 IPL matches, Pant has accumulated 2838 runs at an impressive strike rate of 147.97.
International Rise
Pant’s international journey began with a T20I debut against England in February 2017, followed by his first ODI and Test appearances in the following year. Initially seen as a limited-over specialist, Pant proved his mettle in Test cricket. He scored his first Test century during the 2018 tour of England and has since accumulated five centuries in 33 red-ball matches.
One of Pant’s most memorable moments came during the Gabba Test against Australia in 2021. He played a breathtaking knock of 89 runs off 138 balls on the final day, helping India chase down a seemingly impossible target of 328 runs. Pant has represented India in 30 ODIs and 66 T20Is, amassing 865 and 987 runs, respectively.
Overcoming Adversity
In December of the previous year, Rishabh Pant faced a life-altering experience when he was involved in a car accident near the Narsan border. The accident left him with injuries on his forehead and leg, forcing him to miss several tournaments, including the IPL and international fixtures.
Remarkable Records and Achievements
- Pant is the first and only wicketkeeper-batsman from Asia to score Test centuries in both Australia and England.
- He won the ICC Emerging Player Award in 2018, becoming the third Indian player to do so.
- Pant holds the record for the fastest hundred by an Indian player in T20 cricket, achieving the feat in just 32 balls.
- He became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to record 50 dismissals in Test cricket, surpassing MS Dhoni’s record.
- Pant shares the record for the most catches by a wicketkeeper in a single Test match, taking 11 catches against Australia in 2018.
- During India’s historic 2-1 series win in Australia in 2021, Pant aggregated 274 runs in four Tests.
- In the 2017 IPL, he scored a scintillating 97 off 43 balls, contributing to Delhi Capitals’ highest successful run chase of 209 runs.
- Pant is the highest run-scorer for the Delhi franchise in the IPL, with 2838 runs to his name.
- He became the fifth youngest IPL captain when he assumed leadership of Delhi’s team.
- Pant is the only Indian cricketer to score 100 runs solely through boundaries and sixes, achieving this feat with a 128-run knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
As Rishabh Pant celebrates his 26th birthday, he stands as a testament to the resilience, talent, and sheer determination that have propelled him to cricketing stardom. His journey, marked by extraordinary achievements and overcoming adversity, is a source of inspiration for cricket lovers worldwide.
