India’s top order crumbled once again on Day 1 of the fifth Test against Australia, leaving the team in a precarious position at 72/4. The early collapse of KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli put India on the back foot, with the middle order tasked with steadying the ship. Among the survivors, Rishabh Pant found himself at the crease, facing relentless pressure from Australia’s fast bowlers.
Pant, known for his fearless approach, continued to absorb brutal deliveries, taking a series of body blows from the fiery Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc. The most jarring moment came when Starc bowled a blistering bouncer that caught Pant on the side of his helmet. The Indian wicketkeeper had no time to react, and the ball slammed into his grill, leaving him visibly shaken.
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Mitchell Starc, realizing the force of the impact, immediately went over to check on Pant, offering an apology as physios rushed onto the field to tend to the battered batter. Despite the physical toll, Rishabh Pant showed incredible resilience, remaining at the crease to face the ongoing barrage from the Australian pacers. His determination to hold his ground under such intense pressure was a testament to his mental strength, but the task ahead remained monumental with India in deep trouble.
Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025
Earlier in the day, India’s troubles had begun when both openers, Rahul and Jaiswal, were dismissed within the first hour of play, leaving the score at a dismal 17/2. Shubman Gill seemed to offer some stability, but a rash shot off Nathan Lyon just before lunch saw him lose his wicket, leaving India further vulnerable.
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Kohli, coming in at No. 4, had a controversial reprieve when a catch by Steve Smith was ruled not out. However, his time at the crease was short-lived, as he nicked a delivery from Boland to debutant Beau Webster at slips for just 17 runs, leaving India at 72/4. The middle order now carries the burden of salvaging the innings and avoiding another collapse.
Even the bruise looks like it’s flexing! Rishabh Pant’s swag is undefeated!
— LEGENDOP (@IlegendopI) January 3, 2025
Rishabh Pant is not playing his natural flowing game. Reckless nahi hona par itna bhi defensive nahi hona ki runs banane ki intent hi na ho #rishabhpant #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/oI40jw3yYc
— Hitesh Shrimal (@HiteshShrimal01) January 3, 2025
Pant bhaii natural hi khele aap body pe itne blows lene ka koi matlab nhi h
— S. (@kohliversee) January 3, 2025
Pujara to Pant 😎#INDvsAUS https://t.co/4y3ioC3itO pic.twitter.com/6nTMQ9F67K
— Ben Hilfenhaus (@BenHilfenNOT) January 3, 2025
