Image credit: Bharat Army Instagram
NEW DELHI: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who faced heavy criticism for his reckless approach to batting in the fourth Test in Melbourne, scored 40 off 98 balls in the fifth Test at the SCG.
Known for his fighting spirit and calmness under pressure, Pant’s knock, which included three fours and a six, stood out on a day when India’s top-order batters once again threw away their wickets with rash shots .
At the end of the day, Pant was welcomed by the Bharat Army with a song.
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“We want to ask your permission. Bharat Army’s viral song created in your honor, now we want to change its lyrics,” the fan group said.
“We have Rishabh Pant. He’ll hit you for a six, he’ll keep your kids’ will now become ‘He’ll hit you for a six, he’ll inspire your kids’,” they added.
Pant looked elated on hearing the song and took pictures with the group of fans.
Pant also thanked the Bharat Army for its support to the Indian cricket team, saying, “Not just in India, but also abroad. You are everywhere. So thank you for supporting us. All my best.”
India were bowled out for 185 with Pant top scorer. Scott Boland was the standout bowler with figures of 4-31, while Mitchell Starc took 3-49.
After recovering from 57 for 3 to 107 for 4 at tea, India lost their remaining six wickets for just 78 runs in the final session.
In response, Australia reached nine to one by the end of the match.
India’s regular captain Rohit Sharma was rested for the series finale, with Jasprit Bumrah stepping in to lead the side for the toss.
India trails the series 1-2.
