Rishabh Pant is known for his strokeplay and fearless attitude. But on Day 4 of the first Test against England at Headingley, he gave fans a rare glimpse of his self-critical side.
Moments after a wild swipe against the wind nearly cost him his wicket, the India wicketkeeper-batter was caught on the stump mic scolding himself for playing a rash shot.
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The moment was in the 32nd over of India's second innings. Pant was facing England's Brydon Carse. Attempting a risky lofted shot, Pant completely mistimed the ball.
It took the edge and landed safely. England reviewed for a possible dismissal but the ultra-edge confirmed a bat contact.
WATCH - Rishabh Pant caught on microphone talking to himself after failed scoop shot
Soon after, the audio from the stump mic picked up Pant having a quiet and intense word with himself. Frustrated by the stroke, he muttered in Hindi:
"Straight ball hai Rishabh. Aise yeh zaroori nahin hai, thik hai? Maarna hai toh seedha lag jaayega na is ball pe. Zabardasti with the wind try kare jaa raha hai." ("It’s a straight ball, Rishabh. You don’t need to force it. If you want to hit it, play straight. Why are you forcing it with the wind?")
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In the commentary box, Michael Atherton turned to Dinesh Karthik for a translation. Karthik laughed and explained that Pant was essentially telling himself not to overdo things and just keep it simple.
Earlier in the Test, Pant reached another career milestone. On Day 3, he completed 150 dismissals in Test cricket when he caught Ollie Pope off Prasidh Krishna's bowling.
He later added another by holding on to a edge from Ben Stokes off Mohammed Siraj.