Watch: Rishabh Pant’s strategic advice pays off as Navdeep Saini dismisses Dhruv Jurel in Duleep Trophy 2024

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been at his best behind the stumps in the 2024 Duleep Trophy match between India 'A' and India 'B'. Rishabh Pant gestured to Navdeep Saini on the third day of the ongoing red-ball match, and the fast bowler managed to dismiss Dhruv Jurel on the next ball.

Rishabh was playing his first red-ball cricket match in nearly 21 months. He demonstrated impressive skills behind the stumps and was actively involved in strategy. He aims to erase any doubts the selectors have and secure a place as the first-choice wicketkeeper for the upcoming Test series.

Before Day 3 of the match between India A and India B, Rishabh gave a pep talk to the entire team on how to handle Bengaluru. Pant's pep talk gave an early breakthroughs for India B's first session. it is worth mentioning that opener Abhimanyu Easwaran was the designated captain of India B

Watch: Rishabh Pant's Gesture Yields Instant Rewards For Navdeep Saini

Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal dismissed Riyan Parag with a sharp catch by Rishabh Pant behind the stumps. Navdeep Saini later removed Dhruv Jurel with an incoming delivery that hurried the batter. Pant's guidance to Saini before the delivery proved effective for the India B team in the match.

Rishabh Pant sharing his experience today before the start of Day 3. pic.twitter.com/iuAyaG3NDR

— PantMP4. (@indianspirit070) September 7, 2024

The umpire had no hesitation in giving Dhruv Jurel out LBW. Jurel challenged the on-field decision, which was unsuccessful. The decision was confirmed as three reds. While the India B bowlers executed their plans effectively, Rishabh Pant also played a crucial role in the early dismissals that day.

It Doesn't Matter Who Is The Captain - WV Raman

WV Raman, who was in the commentary box at the time, praised Pant's leadership qualities even though he wasn't the captain. Raman highlighted how Pant played a key role in plotting Dhruv Jurel's dismissal by advising Navdeep Saini on where to bowl.

"It doesn't matter who is the captain. Rishabh Pant is always a leader in the field. The chat he had in the break... He suggested a few things to Saini and looks like it has worked," said WV Raman.

India B took a 90-run lead as India A were bowled out for 231. Lower-order batters Tanush Kotian and Akash Deep showed some resistance after lunch. They batted for nearly 13 overs before left-arm spinner Sai Kishore broke the partnership. India B quickly removed the remaining wickets after that.

Pant bounced back in the second innings of the 2024 Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B. The left-handed batter scored 61 runs off 47 balls with the help of two sixes and nine boundaries. Pant added a 72-run partnership with Sarfaraz Khan after his team was reduced to 22/3.

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