Monday, July 14, 2025
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Defense is the Best Offense”: Rishabh Pant Likened to This Former India Star

Rishabh Pant earned widespread praise after scoring his sixth Test century against Bangladesh, with former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali comparing the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman to India’s legendary opener, Virender Sehwag. Pant’s century came after his return to international cricket following a serious car accident in December 2022. His comeback in the Test format for India has been impressive, especially in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. After a brief knock of 39 in the first innings, Pant bounced back in the second, reaching a magnificent century.

Defense is the Best Offense”: Rishabh Pant Likened to This Former India Star

Basit Ali drew parallels between Pant and Sehwag, noting that both players share a similar approach to Test cricket, using aggressive stroke play as their form of defense. He highlighted how Pant, like Sehwag, relies on attacking shots to keep the pressure off, turning defense into offense. Pant’s 109-run innings was crafted with a mix of front-foot and back-foot play, particularly against spin. By playing mostly off the back foot, Pant was able to give himself more time to assess the delivery and find gaps in the field.

Defense is the Best Offense”: Rishabh Pant Likened to This Former India Star

At times, Pant showcased his aggressive intent by charging down the track, using the pitch conditions to his advantage. In one standout moment during the 53rd over, he advanced towards a half-volley delivered by Shakib Al Hasan and sent the ball sailing over the boundary for a six. His innings featured 13 fours and four massive sixes before being dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who caught a return shot from Pant. His departure was met with a standing ovation from the crowd, and Pant acknowledged the support by blowing a kiss toward the sky.

Basit Ali, in a YouTube video, emphasized the similarities between Sehwag and Pant’s approach, stating, “There are two players in India whose defense is attack. The first was Virender Sehwag, and now it’s Rishabh Pant. Sehwag used to go for boundaries right from the first ball, and Pant follows the same mindset. He’s won hearts with his performance against Bangladesh.”

Defense is the Best Offense”: Rishabh Pant Likened to This Former India Star

On Day 3 of the match, Pant relied heavily on his aggressive batting to accumulate runs on the slow surface at MA Chidambaram Stadium. His partnership with Shubman Gill, who was at the other end, produced a 167-run stand, pushing India’s total to an imposing 515 runs. Pant’s celebration upon reaching his century was met with applause from teammates, including Virat Kohli, who stood up to acknowledge the remarkable achievement.

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