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Ex-IPL Great Questions Rishabh Pant's Promotion Over KL Rahul: 'I Was Surprised'

Rishabh Pant (L) and Kl Rahul (R) [X.com]Rishabh Pant (L) and Kl Rahul (R) [X.com]

Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh took a surprising turn when Rishabh Pant was sent in to bat before KL Rahul. The decision came after India’s top order crumbled to 34/3 under cloudy skies at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Hasan Mahmud’s fiery spell had already sent Virat Kohli back to the pavilion for just 6 runs. 

As spectators and commentators alike were expecting KL Rahul, a proven middle-order batsman, to steady the ship, Pant’s appearance raised many eyebrows.

Parthiv Patel Shares Insights On Choosing Rishabh Pant

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel shed light on this unexpected decision during his commentary on Jio Cinema. According to Patel, the management likely opted for Pant to maintain a left-right combination, with Yashasvi Jaiswal already at the crease. This tactical move was aimed at unsettling Bangladesh’s bowlers, who seemed to struggle against left-handers.

“I was surprised, usually the coach and the captain want left and right combination going. We already had a left-hander in Yashasvi Jaiswal there and plus there’s another thing with KL Rahul. He’s usually, he’s a natural opener that’s when India had a lost a few wickets early on. So that’s where expecting KL to come in but Rishabh Pant had all the answers,” said Patel. 

He further emphasized that Bangladesh’s bowlers were less effective against Jaiswal, indicating that Pant’s promotion was a calculated decision rather than a random choice.

Rishabh Pant’s Impactful Cameo Against Bangladesh

Returning to Test cricket after a 20-month hiatus due to a serious car accident, Rishabh Pant brought a renewed energy to the crease. He swiftly shifted the momentum in India’s favour, scoring 39 off 52 balls. 

His quick partnership of 62 runs with Jaiswal eased the pressure on the Indian team, though his innings was cut short by Hasan Mahmud’s precision bowling.