Washington Sundar recalls Rishabh Pant's outrageous reverse scoop against James Anderson

The rise of Rishabh Pant in the international circuit, especially in the last six months have been nothing short of phenomenal. The southpaw’s outrageous methods have been questioned earlier but what transpired in the last few months have forced the pundits to take a backseat and enjoy the fearless tactics of the pocket-sized dynamite. 

During the Test series against England, Pant tried out one of the most daring shots ever t0 be played in the longest format. While reverse sweeps or switch hits have been the modern-day trendsetter in shorter formats, batsmen hardly pick that in their arsenal in the red-ball format. However, Pant is not someone who is bogged down by the reputation of the bowler. 

Batting on 90 odd, en route his first Test hundred in the Indian soil, Pant reverse scooped a full-length delivery from James Anderson over the slip fielder’s head which left everyone dumbfounded. Even the bowler looked clueless and it was no different with Pant’s partner at the other end, Washington Sundar. 

During a recent 25 questions interview with ESPNcricinfo, Sundar was asked to recall that famous shot from Pant during their historic partnership which paved way for a series victory. 

“I literally didn’t know how to react. More than anything, he was batting on 90 odd, I think 93 and he still managed to scoop it over a couple of slips and gully. So I didn’t know how to react but that’s what he wanted to do and he was very successful." Sundar said. 

On asked whether he said something to Pant after that shot, Sundar said, “Nobody could say anything to him at that moment because he was in a different zone. He just wanted to go after the England bowlers. Yes, he played an amazing knock after all,” Sundar quipped. 

It was a sensational partnership of 113 runs between Pant and Washington Sundar that laid the platform for a resounding victory and an eventual series victory by a 3-1 margin. Meanwhile, that was not the only time that Pant attempted a reverse scoop during that tour. 

During the T20I series, it was Jofra Archer who was at the receiving end of a Pant special. While playing the shot against Anderson whose pace might not be menacing was an achievement in itself, executing the shot against a much livelier Archer was much more difficult. 

Pant who will be an integral part of India’s tour to England will look to continue his purple patch and help India win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship.