Rishabh Pant labeled a 'beggar' by ex-England captain despite Leeds heroics

Former England cricketer David Lloyd has showered praise on Team India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant for his twin centuries during the first Test match. Lloyd described Pant as “a beggar to play against” and also expressed excitement about watching him throughout the ongoing five-match Test series.

Rishabh Pant became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test match at Headingley in Leeds. After scoring 134 off 178 balls in the first innings, the southpaw smashed 118 from 140 balls in the second. His fearless approach drew praise from fans throughout the match.

Rishabh Pant Is Box Office - David Lloyd

In his column for the Daily Mail, David Lloyd called Rishabh Pant a “box office” and a tough opponent. He questioned Pant’s absence of a somersault celebration after his second century. Lloyd added that Pant frustrates rivals with his unorthodox playing style.

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“Rishabh Pant is box office," Lloyd wrote for the Daily Mail. “It is fabulous to see him back after his near-fatal car crash in 2022. He is supremely talented and a real entertainer. But where was his somersault celebration on Monday? Come on Rishabh!"

“I bet he’s a beggar to play against as he rubs the opposition up the wrong way. We are in for a real treat watching him throughout this five-Test series," he added.

It is worth mentioning that Pant has the record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. The left-hander has scored eight centuries and 15 half-centuries in the format.

KL Rahul Proved His Mettle During Brilliant Innings - David Lloyd

David Lloyd said that the Indian batters showed solid defensive techniques during the Test match. He added that KL Rahul displayed the ability to balance strokeplay with defense.

“A batsman needs a good defense in Test cricket, as KL Rahul proved during his brilliant innings. Cricket lovers appreciate when a batsman has to dig in before accelerating when the going gets easier. For all their Twenty20 experience in the IPL, India’s batsmen have shown they also have sound defensive techniques and excellent concentration," Lloyd said.

On Day 4, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul steadied India’s innings with a crucial 195-run stand for the fourth wicket. However, the momentum faded quickly as the lower-order batters offered little resistance.

India were dismissed for 364, setting England a target of 371 runs. In response, the hosts ended the day at 21 without losing any wickets. They need 350 more on the final day to clinch the opening Test.

Will Shoaib Bashir Become a Problem Later in the Series? – David Lloyd

David Lloyd raised concerns over Shoaib Bashir’s lack of impact in the first Test. He questioned whether Bashir might become a liability later in the series and wondered how England would manage him going forward.

“Shoaib Bashir is 21 and he already has 61 Test wickets. He gets total backing from Ben Stokes. However, will he become a problem later in the series? India are pretty comfortable against him. In the first innings, he took one for 100. In the second, it was two for 90 and he went at more than four an over. What will England do with him now?" he asked.

Also read: India vs England Weather Report-Day 5, Leeds Test 2025