Rishabh Pant spectacularly turned heads during India’s practice session ahead of the much-anticipated five-match Test series against England, starting June 20. Known for his fearless strokeplay, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter smashed a colossal six off Washington Sundar that not only soared into the sky but reportedly damaged the stadium roof, drawing stunned reactions from teammates and support staff.

With the red-ball series marking a new chapter for Team India in the World Test Championship (2025-27 cycle), Pant’s return to form is seen as a critical factor. The left-hander has been named vice-captain, supporting Shubman Gill in his first stint as Test captain.

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Given Rishabh Pant’s solid record in English conditions—556 runs in 17 innings at an average of 32.70, including two centuries—his presence in the middle order will be pivotal for India’s campaign.

Rishabh Pant’s destructive batting has arrived in the UK 💥 pic.twitter.com/AERl4DrXcv

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 9, 2025

While his form in IPL 2025 was underwhelming overall—scoring 269 runs in 13 matches at an average of 24.45—Pant offered a glimpse of his brilliance in the final league game for Lucknow Super Giants. Facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he played an unforgettable knock of 118* off just 61 balls, laced with 11 fours and eight towering sixes, anchoring his team to 227/3.

Though LSG ended up on the losing side courtesy of Jitesh Sharma’s stunning 85* off 33 balls, Pant’s return to aggressive fluency was one of the few silver linings.

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Interestingly, Pant also played a heroic knock the last time India toured England in 2022, scoring a memorable 146 off 111 balls from a dire position of 98/5. That innings remains etched in memory, and with signs of his flair returning, India will be hoping for more Pant magic in this new era of Test cricket.