In an unexpected turn of events, Rishabh Pant, known for his acrobatics behind the stumps and explosive batting, surprised his teammates by donning the role of an off-spinner during a practice session ahead of the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, who is often seen breaking stereotypes with his fearless approach, added another chapter to his unique journey by rolling his arm over, much to the amusement of his colleagues.
As the team prepped for the series opener, Pant, always full of surprises, grabbed the ball and began bowling off-spin to none other than India’s young sensation, Shubman Gill. The sight of Pant as a bowler sent ripples of laughter across the nets, with KL Rahul immediately curious about Pant’s previous bowling escapades.
“Did you bowl in the Delhi Premier League?” Rahul jestingly inquired.
Pant, flashing his trademark grin, responded humorously, “Yes, I bowled a ball or two when only one run was needed!” The entire squad burst into laughter, enjoying the light-hearted moment amid the intense preparations.
Spin bowling practice anyone? 🤔
We have a new spinner in town 😎@RishabhPant17 rolls his arm over 👌👌#TeamIndia | #INDvBAN | @ShubmanGill | @klrahul | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/nlifAHo9Qu
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 26, 2024
While the team was amused, Gill took his “spin practice” seriously, playing Pant’s deliveries with focus before turning back to thank his unexpected new bowling coach, affectionately referring to him as the “Spiderman wicketkeeper.” The term stems from Pant’s connection with the animated superhero, who he often hums about while keeping behind the stumps.
Although it was all in good fun, Pant’s sudden transformation into an off-spinner showcased the relaxed and jovial atmosphere in the Indian camp ahead of a crucial series. The camaraderie and light-heartedness, symbolized by Pant’s off-spin experiment, speak volumes about the team’s close-knit spirit, with even the wicketkeeper willing to try his hand at spinning.
While Pant’s contributions to the Indian team are usually measured by his skills with the bat and gloves, it appears he is more than willing to experiment, making sure that no role is left untried—even if it’s an off-spinner on a day off.
As fans gear up for the Kanpur Test, the question remains: Will we see Pant toss up a delivery during the match, or is this just a sneak peek into his never-ending ability to entertain? Either way, one thing’s for sure—Rishabh Pant continues to keep everyone on their toes, whether it’s with his batting, keeping, or now, his spin bowling!
