‘2 balls idhar se, please’: Rishabh Pant’s quick suggestion turns into instant success for Kuldeep Yadav – watch | Cricket News
Rishabh Pant found himself in a new role with added responsibilities on the second day of the first Test at Eden Gardens, taking charge of the field following the retirement of regular captain Shubman Gill, who was injured early in the Indian innings with a neck spasm. The wicketkeeper-batsman slipped into the role perfectly, steering the bowlers through a tense afternoon as India took control.
India, bowled out for 189 in 62.2 overs earlier in the day, needed quick breakthroughs to protect their slim first innings lead of 30. The bowlers responded with discipline, leaving South Africa struggling at 93 for 7 by stumps, ahead by just 63 runs. One moment stood out at the end of the final session when Pant’s appeal from behind the stumps went straight to a wicket. As Marco Jansen looked to counter-attack, Pant urged Kuldeep Yadav to change his angle. “KD (Kuldeep), 2 balls for me, please.. (just 2 balls this way, please),” Pant was heard saying on the stump mic. Kuldeep went around the wicket for the very next delivery. This brought immediate reward.Watch the moment here Jansen attempted a sweep, only managing a top edge. KL Rahul dived sharply to his left, completing a difficult catch that dismissed the South African for 13 off 16 balls. Pant’s reaction spoke volumes as he flashed a sweet smile on his face in reaction to the wicket. Jansen’s fall was another blow in a slide that had been triggered earlier in the round. Ravindra Jadeja led the effort with 4 for 29, removing Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs to dent the visitors’ hopes of recovering from their opening innings 159.
Survey
Which player stood out the most during the second day?
With their batting once again crumbling in difficult conditions, they will need a strong response on day three to avoid giving India an easy target. India will also assess Gill’s condition ahead of the next phase of play, with updates expected on his availability as it progresses, according to BCCI.
