NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan on Friday lauded Rishabh Pant for his gutsy knock on a challenging SCG pitch, describing it as a performance where he ‘put his body on the line’.
Pathan praised Pant’s courage and determination, highlighting his ability to take on the Australian bowlers under difficult conditions.
Despite facing criticism for his reckless dismissals in both innings during the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, Pant displayed remarkable restraint on Friday. He endured several painful blows to his body while batting, including a severe impact on his helmet from Mitchell Starc‘s delivery.
Pant scored a fighting knock of 40 runs from 98 balls before India were dismissed for 185 during the opening day of the fifth and final Test match against Australia at Sydney.
The Australian side concluded the day’s play at 9 for 1 in their opening innings, with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Usman Khawaja on the day’s last ball.
During a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan underlined the significance of Pant’s effort.
“We talk a lot about Rishabh Pant but we need to agree that the knock he played today was extremely crucial. It wasn’t easy. No one crossed the 30-run mark but Rishabh Pant reached 40,” Pathan said.
“He was getting hit repeatedly. He was taking balls on his body. He put his body on the line. He tried to put his life. He was under slight pressure. There is external pressure as well. He was getting hit on the body but he fought despite that. I feel it was an excellent innings,” he further said.
