Gautam Gambhir Awestruck By Rishabh Pant's Audacious Stroke Against Jofra Archer

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was amongst the many impressed with Rishabh Pant’s audacity he displayed during the first T20I against England on Friday. Rishabh Pant played his first T20I in more than a year, having earned a recall based on his recent Test performances. Rishabh Pant’s reverse-flick shot against Jofra Archer earned praises from Gautam Gambhir.

Rishabh Pant batted at number four on Friday and came to the crease when India lost KL Rahul and Virat Kohli with only three runs on the board. Jofra Archer, who dismissed Rahul in his first over, had his tails up; however, Rishabh Pant managed to reverse scoop his ball for a six. Archer’s pace meant that it carried a long way towards the third man region for a maximum. The southpaw followed that with a four. The four-match Test series saw James Anderson receive a similar treatment.

Gautam Gambhir reckoned that it was an amazing and courageous shot since India had lost two wickets by the time he arrived in the first six overs. Gautam Gambhir was particularly enthralled that he did it against Jofra Archer, a bowler of the highest quality. The cricketer-turned-politician observed that Pant’s shot was a calculated one too since Eoin Morgan had bought the third man up and deep square leg and fine leg was present.

“It was an amazing shot and a courageous shot as well. India had lost two wickets and he came to bat in the first 6 overs. It is a big chance for you and despite that if you can play a shot like that against Jofra Archer. It was a calculated shot as well because the third-man was brought up and deep square leg and fine leg was there. So, a very good shot,” Gambhir told Star Sports.

Rishabh Pant’s promising innings ended tamely as India crash to an eight-wicket loss:

Nevertheless, Rishabh Pant, who looked in supreme touch, could not do much damage to England. During the tenth over of the innings, the 23-year old flicked to Jonny Bairstow at deep square leg off Ben Stokes’ bowling, departing for 21 off 23 balls. India’s innings finished at 125, with only Shreyas Iyer scoring a fifty. England achieved it in 15.3 overs with eight wickets to spare to take a series lead.

Also Read: To See The Back Of Virat Kohli Early So Many Times Is A Real Bonus – Jofra Archer