Rishabh Pant lit up the Sydney Cricket Ground on Day 1 of the fifth Test between India and Australia with a stunning six that had the crowd on their feet. As India fought to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), the pressure was palpable, with Australia giving their all to clinch the series. A win in this match would see Pat Cummins’ side claim the coveted BGT, intensifying the competition.
Amid the high stakes, Pant found himself under intense pressure, especially from the Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Both bowlers unleashed a barrage of fast deliveries aimed at testing Pant’s resilience. Starc and Boland’s efforts resulted in a series of body blows, with Pant taking several hits.
However, the wicketkeeper-batter refused to be intimidated. Despite the physical toll, Pant remained focused, determined to play his part for India. Then came the moment of brilliance. In the 46th over, Beau Webster bowled a full-length delivery around the off-stump.
WATCH – Rishabh Pant Takes Brutal Body Blows In Sydney As India Struggles In Fifth Test
Rishabh Pant, unfazed by the ongoing barrage, stepped down the track to meet the ball. With his characteristic flair, Pant gave himself room and unleashed a powerful stroke, sending the ball soaring over Webster’s head for a massive six.
A six so big the ground staff needed a ladder to retrieve it!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/oLUSw196l3
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025
The shot was so high and powerful that it disappeared beyond the sight screen, with the crowd erupting in jubilation. The ball took a few minutes to locate, and ground staff had to use a ladder to retrieve it. Pant’s 99-meter hit was a spectacular display of counter-attacking cricket, silencing any doubters and showcasing his fearless nature.
Despite the joy from Pant’s stunning six, India had a tough afternoon. The morning session saw Virat Kohli dismissed cheaply by Boland, poking a delivery to third slip.
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However, Pant and Ravindra Jadeja fought back, showing resilience in the face of the Australian onslaught. Jadeja had his fair share of luck, benefiting from a few dropped chances, while Pant absorbed the body blows but kept his composure. As the session drew to a close, India were at 107/4, with Pant on 32* and Jadeja on 11*, their partnership offering hope for a recovery.
