IND vs SL: Watch - Rishabh Pant Turns Test Into T20 Mode, Smokes 22 Runs Off Lasith Embuldeniya

Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant unleashed havoc on Day 1 of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka on Friday. Known for his aggressive batsmanship in all formats, Pant didn’t hold back on a good batting surface in Mohali.

Pant had played a sedate inning until he reached his 50. Surprisingly enough, he took 75 balls to reach the half-century, before changing gears. Sri Lanka’s best bowler on the day, Lasith Embuldeniya, was at the receiving end.

In the 76th over bowled by Embuldeniya, Pant smashed 22 runs off it. He danced down the track for the first ball and smashed it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum. Pant followed it up with another six, once again in the same region.

Embuldeniya became wary and tried to dish one out on the shorter side. This time around, Pant stayed back and punched it off the back foot for another boundary. Ravindra Jadeja, meanwhile, was enjoying the innings at the other end and so was Rohit Sharma in the dressing room.

The carnage continued as Pant finally finished the over off with another boundary. A flat and quick delivery was cut sharply by Pant to go past the man behind square on the offside. Embuldeniya was immediately taken off the attack and a fast bowler was brought on.

The Test is of significant importance for many reasons. Rohit Sharma is captaining the Test team for the first time, becoming India’s 35th Test captain. Virat Kohli is playing his 100th Test as well, only the 12th Indian to achieve the feat. This match is also Sri Lanka’s 300th game in its Test history.

Also Read – IND vs SL: Gautam Gambhir Points Out Glaring Weakness In Virat Kohli’s Batting After His Dismissal For 45 In Mohali Test

Watch Rishabh Pant’s carnage here: