Team India’s swashbuckling vice-captain Rishabh Pant stole the spotlight on Day 2 of the thrilling Headingley Test against England, not just with his explosive batting but also with a side-splitting moment caught on the stump mic. In a video that has taken social media by storm, Pant can be heard quipping to teammate Ravindra Jadeja, “Suja diya yaar maar maar ke, ek hi jagah maare ja raha hai!”—a humorous complaint roughly translating to, “He’s made me swollen, man, hitting the same spot again and again!” The comment came during an aggressive phase of his innings, reflecting his playful camaraderie amidst the intense on-field battle.
However, the drama didn’t end there. Ironically, just after his cheeky remark, Pant was dismissed on the very next ball, trapped LBW by England’s Josh Tongue for a breathtaking 134 off 178 balls. The dismissal came as Pant shouldered arms to an in-nipping delivery, ending a knock that was nothing short of a masterclass in controlled aggression. His innings included 15 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing fearless strokeplay against a formidable English bowling attack, including the likes of James Anderson and Mark Wood.
Pant’s innovative approach drew high praise from none other than Sachin Tendulkar, who lauded his unique “falling paddle sweep.” Tendulkar described the shot as “intentional and extremely clever,” noting how Pant used it to scoop the ball over leg slip with pinpoint precision against spinner Shoaib Bashir. The cricket legend also highlighted the strategic mid-over chats in Hindi between Pant and Shubman Gill, suggesting they were a deliberate tactic to unsettle the young spinner and disrupt England’s rhythm.
The cornerstone of India’s imposing first-innings total of 471 was the monumental 209-run partnership between Pant and Gill. While Pant dazzled with flair, Gill anchored the innings with a composed 147 off 231 balls, blending caution with elegant strokeplay. Their partnership, combined with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fluent 101, put England’s bowling unit under relentless pressure. However, India’s middle order faltered after the duo’s dismissal, losing their last seven wickets for just 41 runs in a dramatic collapse, triggered by Tongue and Bashir’s relentless accuracy.
Despite the late wobble, India maintained control thanks to Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery bowling. The pace spearhead ripped through England’s top order with a three-wicket burst, including the prized scalp of Joe Root for a duck, leaving the hosts reeling. Yet, England fought back through Ollie Pope’s gritty unbeaten 100, ensuring they stayed in the contest at 209/3 by the close of play. Pope’s resilient knock, supported by partnerships with Harry Brook, has set the stage for an intriguing Day 3.
Pant’s stump mic banter and on-field exploits have once again reminded fans why he is one of cricket’s most entertaining characters. As the Headingley Test hangs in the balance, his contribution—both with the bat and his infectious humor—has given India a slight edge in this pivotal match of the series. Will England’s fightback gain momentum, or will India’s bowlers seal the deal? Only time will tell.