Rishabh Pant usually thrives against the short ball, but Carse’s delivery was just too steep. His response to Shubman Gill? Absolute gold.
Gill and Rishabh Pant On-Field Banter Steals the Show at Headingley
Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant weren’t just dazzling with the bat during the first Test against England at Headingley—their stump mic banter was equally entertaining. As they built a mammoth 209-run partnership for the fourth wicket, the duo kept the energy high with constant chatter in Hindi, mixing teasing, tactical insights, and pure fun while rotating strike.
Their conversations amused fans and even caught the attention of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who jokingly suggested it was a strategy to confuse the English fielders.
One of the standout exchanges came in the 94th over of Day 2, when Brydon Carse tested Rishabh Pant with short-pitched bowling. After ducking a sharp bouncer, Gill cheekily encouraged Pant with “maar na” (“Hit it”). Pant’s witty response had viewers laughing: “Bada ball daal dia yaar. Respect karna pad gaya bohut tagdaa.” (“He bowled a good one, man! I had to show him some respect—it was really tough.”)
The camaraderie and humor between Gill and Pant added a refreshing layer to India’s dominant batting performance.
Gill-Pant Partnership Anchors India Before Sudden Collapse
Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill’s outstanding 209-run partnership was the highlight of India’s first innings in the opening Test against England. Resuming Day 2 at 359/3, with Gill on 127 and Pant on 65, the duo displayed a perfect blend of composure and aggression that propelled India into a dominant position—until an unexpected collapse changed the narrative.
Leading India for the first time following Rohit Sharma’s retirement, Gill batted with maturity beyond his years. He recorded his highest Test score—147—surpassing his previous best of 128, with an innings rich in timing and placement. His 19 boundaries and a six included a memorable off-drive off Chris Woakes that brought up the milestone, underscoring his development as both a leader and top-order mainstay.
Pant, true to his explosive reputation, lit up Headingley with a whirlwind 134 off 146 balls. He reached his seventh Test century—and fourth against England—by launching Shoaib Bashir for a one-handed six. The celebration that followed, a lively somersault, captured the energy of his knock, which featured 10 fours and four sixes.
Despite the collapse, the Gill-Pant partnership stood out as a powerful display of India’s emerging batting strength—one that combined flair, focus, and future promise.
