Rishabh Pant’s infectious on-field energy was once again on display on Thursday during the India A vs South Africa A four-day match at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The stump mic caught the Indian wicketkeeper-captain in his element — chatting, cheering, and motivating his bowlers with his signature mix of humour and intensity. It was a vivid reminder of why Pant remains one of modern cricket’s most charismatic and entertaining figures.
Interestingly, Rishabh Pant wasn’t wearing his familiar jersey number 17, but Virat Kohli’s number 18, a symbolic gesture toward the former India captain who has now retired from Tests and T20Is.
Rishabh Pant’s presence on the field itself was emotional — he had been sidelined since suffering a leg injury during the Manchester Test against England earlier this year, when a Chris Woakes delivery struck him on the leg, causing severe swelling. Now, fully recovered, he’s back leading India A, determined to regain full match fitness.
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During the match, Pant’s mic moments became a highlight. When spinner Tanush Kotian was bowling, Pant was heard offering lively encouragement: “Jyada fielder nahi hai off-side mein… daalte rah apna koi nahi. Thodi der dande pe daal, maarne do. Theek hai, tang mat ho, relax hoke daal. Shabash! Rhythm pakadne ko dekho, aa jayega ek do over mein. (There aren’t many fielders on the off-side, keep bowling your line. Try on the stumps, let him hit. Don’t get tense, just relax. You’ll find your rhythm in a couple of overs.)”
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Later, turning to left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, Rishbh Pant’s energy lit up the field again: “Arre bhai yahi hai! 6 ball daal ke dikhao zara maza aayega! (This is the spot! Bowl six like that in a row — it’ll be fun!)”
Rishabh Pant’s lively interactions drew laughter from the slip cordon and reflected the infectious energy that has defined his cricketing personality.
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Having spent months rehabilitating at the CoE after breaking his foot during the fourth Test against England, Pant’s return marks a significant milestone. These matches are crucial for him — not just to test his fitness, but to rebuild his batting rhythm ahead of his full return to international cricket.
