Rishabh Pant made a strong start to his Duleep Trophy campaign, playing a pivotal role in India B’s 76-run victory over India A at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Though Pant struggled in the first innings, scoring just 7 runs, he bounced back in the second innings with a blistering 61 off 47 balls. Alongside his batting, Pant impressed behind the stumps, taking two catches in the first innings and an incredible five in the second.
Rishabh Pant Takes A Stunning Catch
One of his second-innings catches has since gone viral. India B fast bowler Navdeep Saini delivered a short ball down leg to Avesh Khan, who edged it. Pant dived full stretch to the leg side, pulling off a stunning catch.
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Following the spectacular grab, Pant celebrated in his own distinctive way—he tossed the ball into the air and then gave a sharp stare, seemingly directed at the departing batter.
Duleep Trophy 2024: India A Vs India B
As for the match, India A won the toss and opted to bowl. Akash Deep was instrumental, picking up four wickets and helping his team bowl India B out for 321. Musheer Khan led the way for India B with a gritty 181, anchoring their innings. Musheer was named as the ‘Player of the Match’.
“My preparation was really good with my father. I had done well in Ranji so I knew I could get an opportunity here. Every ball I was encouraging him from the non-striker’s end to play it out (his partnership with Saini). I think it was only the first or second time for me to take catches at short leg,” he said after the game.
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In response, India A could only muster 231 runs, with Navdeep Saini and Mukesh taking three wickets each. India B, led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, then added 184 in their second innings, with Pant’s knock being the highlight. India B’s bowlers sealed the game by dismissing India A for 198, with Yash Dayal taking 3/50, supported by two wickets each from Mukesh and Navdeep.
