You can never quite predict what Rishabh Pant might do next and on Day 1 of the Headingley Test, he reminded everyone why.
Batting at No.5 in India’s first innings against England, Pant played just two deliveries to steal the spotlight. He played first delivery calmly with a nudge toward mid-on. But then Pant’s magic happened on the second delivery.
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Facing Ben Stokes, he danced down the pitch and absolutely launched one straight over the England captain’s head. It was confident and completely in character for India’s vice-captain, a player who always backs his instincts.
Why did Stokes laugh after the shot from Pant?
It wasn’t only the shot from Pant that caught attention but the reaction from Ben Stokes got viral too. Ben Stokes, taken aback but clearly entertained, let out a smile right after the ball sailed past him.
This was Pant’s first Test as India’s official vice-captain, and he started just how fans expected, with no hesitation, just intent and flair. The shot is yet another example of how Pant keeps the entertainment alive in red-ball cricket.
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WATCH: Rishabh Pant's smashing strike leaves Ben Stokes in splits at Headingley
Watch the video below:
𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙃𝘼𝘽𝙃 𝙋𝘼𝙉𝙏 𝙄𝙎 𝙄𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙈𝙄𝘿𝘿𝙇𝙀! 😎
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 20, 2025
That's it, that's the caption! 🤣😅
Watch now 👉 https://t.co/PXeXAKeYoj #ENGvIND | 1st Test | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/S16apONf41
How was the situation when Pant came in to bat?
Pant walked in with India in a strong position. Yashasvi Jaiswal had already brought up a solid century, while Shubman Gill was batting confidently alongside him.
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KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan had both fallen early, with the latter dismissed for a duck on debut. India, despite losing the toss, were off to a commanding start. Jaiswal had smashed 101 off 159 balls, hitting 16 fours and one six.