By Sabyasachi Bhattacherjee
Rishabh Pant has come to England to break records. This time, this wicketkeeper of Team India has set a record of sixes. The innings that he gave despite a finger injury will be remembered. His innings of 74 runs were decorated with 8 fours and 2 sixes. And by hitting a six, he surpassed legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Viv Richards.
Richards has played 36 Tests against England. Out of them, he has hit 34 sixes. Pant surpassed the former Caribbean cricketer by hitting a huge six off Ben Stokes on the last ball of the 59th over. The vice-captain of Team India has played only 12 Tests against England, and that's how he surpassed Richards.
Pant has also surpassed Rohit Sharma, who has now become the joint second-highest six-hitter for Team India in Tests. The batsman has hit 88 sixes in Tests. Pant has achieved this feat in 46 Tests. Rohit has played 67 Tests. Virender Sehwag (90) is at the first place. On the other hand, Pant has also achieved the record of highest runs scored by an Indian wicketkeeper batsman in the England tour.
It is worth noting that he injured his finger while wicketkeeping against England at Lord's. There was doubt whether the Indian wicketkeeper would come out to bat or not. Pant, however, cleared all doubts and came out to bat. But the English bowlers were repeatedly 'bodylining' him to trouble him.
Rishabh Pant's innings cannot just be kept in the record books. It will remain a symbol of courage, responsibility, and confidence. His batting has not only won the hearts of the audience, but has also become an inspiration for the younger generation of cricketers. Cricket is not just a game of bat and ball, it is a battle of mental strength, sacrifice and willpower - and that is what Rishabh Pant has shown.
The India-England Test series is currently in its final stretch. India is desperate to win the match, and Pant's innings has boosted the team's confidence several times. If India wins this match, then it can be said without a doubt that there is only one hero of this match, and that is Rishabh Pant.
