Rishabh Pant once again showcased his unique flair and trademark charisma on Day 4 of the opening Test between India and England at Headingley, Leeds. While his bat did some talking, it was his audible self-talk picked up by the stump mic that left fans and commentators equally entertained.
In a moment that captured Pant’s internal battle between aggression and restraint, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter was heard reminding himself to stay composed. “Waise zaruri nahi hai (Not really necessary). Maarna hai to seedha lag jayega na next ball (If I want to hit, I’ll do it with a straight bat on the next ball). Zabardasti try kar raha hai (Why force it?),” Pant muttered aloud, clearly trying to convince himself to avoid reckless shots.
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In the commentary box, former England skipper Michael Atherton was amused and curious, prompting Dinesh Karthik to translate the candid moment. Karthik chuckled, explaining, “He’s basically telling himself to calm down. That he doesn’t need to do anything out of the ordinary—just play straight and things will fall into place. He knows he got carried away for a second and is trying to reset mentally.”
DK translates what Rishabh Pant was saying! 🤓🔊 pic.twitter.com/ofGWM4OfOp
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 23, 2025
Atherton responded thoughtfully, “It’s fascinating. It suggests Pant plays so instinctively that he has to talk himself out of his natural impulses.”
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At stumps, India had clawed their way to 153/3, extending their lead to 159 runs. KL Rahul, anchoring the innings with a composed 72*, and Pant, on a measured 31*, guided India after the early loss of Shubman Gill. The skipper, who resumed on 6*, added just two more before falling to a sharp Brydon Carse delivery that nipped back in, clipping the stumps off a thick inside edge.
Pant and Rahul’s unbeaten 61-run partnership has been crucial in steadying the Indian innings amid seaming conditions and England’s probing pace attack.
