Mar 22, 2025

Rishabh Pant: The X-Factor of Indian Cricket

The Unpredictable Genius of Rishabh Pant

Fearless, entertaining, and a true match-winner—Rishabh Pant is redefining modern cricket. In a sport often dominated by orthodoxy and caution, Pant brings a refreshing unpredictability that keeps fans on the edge of their seats and opponents constantly guessing.

Remember that historic day at the Gabba in 2021? Australia hadn’t lost a Test match there in 32 years until a 23-year-old Pant walked in with his characteristic swagger. With 89 not out, he guided India to an impossible victory, breaking Australia’s fortress and cementing his place as cricket’s ultimate game-changer.

Pant celebrating after the historic Gabba win

That’s Rishabh Pant for you—not just a cricketer, but a phenomenon who turns the impossible into reality.

Early Life & The Struggles of a Young Dreamer

Born on October 4, 1997, in the quaint town of Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh’s journey to cricket stardom was anything but smooth. His father, Rajendra Pant, was the first to spot the spark in his young son’s eyes and nurtured his cricketing aspirations from an early age.

At just twelve, Rishabh made a life-changing move to Delhi with his mother, Saroj Pant. The big city offered opportunities but also challenges. Financial constraints forced them to stay in a Gurdwara in Moti Bagh—a humble beginning that would later make his rise even more remarkable.

“Those early struggles shaped me. When you’ve slept on floors, you’re not afraid of falling on the cricket pitch.” - Rishabh Pant

Under the guidance of renowned coach Tarak Sinha at the Sonnet Cricket Academy, young Pant began transforming his raw talent into refined skill. Even then, his natural inclination was toward aggressive batting, though his coach initially tried to instill more defensive techniques.

The turning point came in 2016 during the U-19 Cricket World Cup, where Pant served as vice-captain of the Indian team. His explosive batting caught everyone’s attention when he smashed the fastest-ever U-19 international fifty in just 18 balls against Nepal. With 267 runs at an average of 44.50, including a century and two half-centuries, Pant announced his arrival on the global stage.

Young Pant during his U-19 days

The IPL Launchpad – From Delhi Daredevils to Delhi Capitals

In a remarkable coincidence, Rishabh was acquired by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) on the same day he scored a century for India in the U-19 World Cup. This began his love affair with the IPL, where his fearless batting would soon make him a household name.

His IPL debut on April 27, 2016, was a sign of things to come. Facing the Gujarat Lions, the teenager hammered 69 runs off just 40 balls, showing he belonged on the big stage. But this was just a glimpse of what Pant was capable of.

The 2018 season proved to be his true breakthrough, as he amassed a staggering 684 runs in 14 matches. The highlight was an unforgettable unbeaten 128 off just 63 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad—at the time, the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history.

His IPL performances weren’t just about numbers; they were about impact. Who can forget his blistering 78* off just 27 balls against Mumbai Indians in 2019? Each boundary seemed to defy the laws of physics and conventional cricket wisdom.

Pant’s IPL Milestones:

First IPL century: 128* off 63 balls vs SRH (2018)
Most runs in a single season: 684 runs (2018)
Appointed Delhi Capitals captain in 2021
Led Delhi Capitals to playoffs in 2021
Set to captain Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 after a record ₹27 crore deal

Pant in Delhi Capitals jersey

International Debut & The Journey to Becoming India’s No.1 Wicketkeeper

While his IPL exploits were turning heads, Pant’s ultimate dream was to don the Indian jersey. That dream became reality on January 1, 2017, when he made his T20I debut against England.

However, it was in Test cricket where Pant would truly make his mark. His Test debut came on August 18, 2018, against England, and he immediately made history by becoming the first Indian batter to get off the mark in Test cricket with a six. If there was ever a statement of intent, this was it!

Within weeks, he scored his maiden Test century (114) at The Oval, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century in England. Just four months later, he added another feather to his cap with an unbeaten 159 in Sydney, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century in Australia.

After MS Dhoni’s retirement, the big question was: Who would fill those legendary shoes? Pant answered not by trying to be the next Dhoni, but by being the first Rishabh Pant—unique, unpredictable, and undeniably effective.

“Don’t compare me with anyone. I want to make my own name in Indian cricket.” - Rishabh Pant

The Match-Winner in Red-Ball Cricket

If there’s one format where Pant has truly revolutionized the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman, it’s Test cricket. His approach to the longest format is refreshingly unconventional—attacking when others defend, taking calculated risks when tradition suggests caution.

The 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia was Pant’s coming-of-age moment. First at Sydney, where his aggressive 97 nearly pulled off an impossible chase before India settled for a draw. Then came the career-defining innings at the Gabba, where his unbeaten 89 guided India to a historic three-wicket victory, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue.

Rahul Dravid described the innings as “sensational” and few would disagree. It wasn’t just the runs but the manner in which he scored them—fearless yet calculated, aggressive yet responsible.

Pant’s overseas Test performances have been particularly remarkable:

England (The Oval, 2018): 114 - First Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century in England
Australia (Sydney, 2019): 159* - First Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century in Australia
Australia (Brisbane, 2021): 89* - Match-winning innings that broke the Gabba fortress
South Africa (Cape Town, 2022): 100* - First Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century in South Africa
England (Birmingham, 2022): 146 - Fastest century by an Indian wicketkeeper (89 balls)

Pant celebrating a Test century

The Setbacks – Criticism, Injuries & The Road to Redemption

Pant’s journey hasn’t been without its share of challenges. His aggressive batting approach initially drew criticism for being reckless, and his wicketkeeping skills were often scrutinized. Former India fielding coach R Sridhar recalled Pant’s initial reluctance to take advice on his wicketkeeping techniques, highlighting the young player’s strong self-belief.

But nothing tested Pant’s resilience like the life-threatening car accident in December 2022. The horrific crash left him with multiple injuries requiring several surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation process. Many wondered if the dynamic cricketer would ever return to the field.

What followed was nothing short of miraculous. After months of grueling rehabilitation, Pant made a remarkable comeback to cricket in IPL 2024, scoring an impressive 446 runs for Delhi Capitals. He then returned to the Indian team, contributing significantly to their 2024 T20 World Cup victory.

Ravi Shastri described his recovery as a “miracle,” and it’s hard to disagree. Pant’s nomination for the Laureus Comeback of the Year 2025 Award further validates his extraordinary journey back from the brink.

“The support from fans during my recovery kept me going. I wanted to come back not just for myself, but for everyone who believed in me.” - Rishabh Pant

Pant during his rehabilitation

Rishabh Pant: The Future Leader of Indian Cricket?

Leadership seems to come naturally to Pant. When Shreyas Iyer was injured in 2021, Pant stepped up to captain Delhi Capitals and guided them to the playoffs. His captaincy record with the franchise—23 wins, 19 losses, and 1 tie in 43 matches—speaks to his tactical acumen.

His leadership style is refreshingly different. He focuses on backing his players and creating a free, expressive environment within the team. Perhaps it’s this approach that led to Lucknow Super Giants appointing him as captain for IPL 2025 after acquiring him for a record ₹27 crore.

Could Pant be a future captain for India? The discussion is already underway in cricket circles. His experience, game awareness, and ability to stay calm under pressure make him a strong contender. More importantly, his journey from adversity to triumph has equipped him with the resilience that leadership demands.

Pant as captain

Off the Field – The Fun-Loving Personality of Pant

Beyond the boundaries and behind the stumps, Rishabh Pant is known for his playful and humorous personality. Fans fondly remember his witty remarks from behind the stumps, captured by stump mics during matches. He even once famously mimicked Sunil Gavaskar’s commentary, showcasing his lighter side.

Nicknamed the ‘Spiderman’ of Team India, Pant enjoys a significant following on social media, where he often shares glimpses of his life off the field. His engaging personality has made him a favorite for brands too, with endorsements for companies like Adidas, JSW, Dream11, Realme, Cadbury, and Zomato.

Despite his celebrity status, those close to Pant describe him as down-to-earth and genuine—qualities that have endeared him to teammates and fans alike.

Pant's fun side

Conclusion – Rishabh Pant’s Legacy & What’s Next?

At just 27, Rishabh Pant has already etched his name in cricket history. From the small town of Roorkee to the grand stadiums of the world, his journey embodies the spirit of new India—fearless, resilient, and unapologetically authentic.

As Sanjay Manjrekar put it, Pant is “probably the best wicketkeeper in Test history” in terms of batting. The statistical comparisons with MS Dhoni in Tests reveal the magnitude of his impact, though as Ajay Jadeja rightly points out, their styles are vastly different.

Looking ahead, the expectations are sky-high. With the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy already in his cabinet, Pant’s focus will likely shift to more record-breaking performances and possibly a leadership role in the Indian team.

Pant isn’t just a cricketer; he’s an entertainer, a fighter, and a match-winner. His story reminds us that in cricket, as in life, it’s not about following the conventional path but creating your own—one fearless step at a time.

Pant with trophies