Rishabh Pant never stays out of the spotlight for long — and Day 3 of the third Test at Lord’s was no exception. While battling through pain and pressure, the India vice-captain not only delivered a gutsy knock of 74 runs but also shut down Ben Duckett with a quick-witted exchange that had fans grinning.
Duckett Tries to Rattle Pant — But Gets a Taste of His Own Medicine
Pant had just danced down the pitch to smash Chris Woakes for a boundary. He then settled into a more cautious rhythm. Sensing an opportunity, Duckett decided to chirp in, questioning Pant’s intent.
Here’s how the exchange played out:
Duckett: “Just batting for the draw?”
Pant: “Me?”
Duckett: “Yeah.”
Pant: “Same like you.”
Duckett: “Same like me, bro?”
Pant: “Same like you.”
Duckett: “Yeah? That’s me playing on Day 1.”
Pant: “It’s still nibbling.”
Duckett: “Not right now.”
Pant: “It is, it is.”
The exchange captured everything fans love about Pant — calm under fire, quick with comebacks, and never one to be rattled.
Fighting Through Pain: A Knock That Deserved More
More than the banter, Pant’s innings was a display of courage. Coming in with India in trouble and nursing a left-hand injury from wicketkeeping, he teamed up with KL Rahul for a crucial 141-run partnership.
Despite visible discomfort, Pant played with trademark flair. He flicked Jofra Archer for four, launched Bashir over the sightscreen for six, and brought up his fifty with a monster hook off Ben Stokes. All this while frequently signaling for physio attention — his pain obvious, but his resolve even more so.
Heartbreak Before Lunch: The Run Out That Hurt
In the final over before lunch, Pant dabbed one toward cover and attempted a risky single. Ben Stokes, alert and agile, pounced and nailed a direct hit. Pant was well short. He walked back slowly, head down, to loud applause — a hero’s exit despite the heartbreak.
At the break, India stood at 248/4, trailing by 139 runs. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 98.
Pant Leaves a Mark — With Bat and Wit
The innings might have ended earlier than he or India would have liked, but Pant once again reminded the world of who he is — a fearless cricketer with grit in his game and fire in his words. Whether he’s hitting sixes or delivering comebacks, he’s always up for the fight.
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