NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant showcased his cricketing skill during his debut season in the Ranji Trophy in 2016. He scored two centuries, which significantly contributed to preventing Delhi from facing a follow-on defeat against
Jharkhand
.
Pant, who had already performed notably in the
U-19 World Cup
, was selected for Delhi's Ranji Trophy squad for the 2016-17 season.
In Tumba, Delhi faced a significant challenge in their match against Jharkhand.
Jharkhand posted a formidable total of 493 runs in their first innings. Despite a commendable effort by Pant, who scored 117 runs off 106 balls, Delhi struggled to keep up.
The Jharkhand skipper decided to enforce the follow-on after Delhi failed to reach Jharkhand’s imposing score. Pant's efforts highlighted Delhi’s batting performance, but it wasn't enough to counter the strong position held by Jharkhand.
Delhi faced pressure in their second innings. However, they began strongly. Rishabh Pant, upon his arrival at the crease, showcased remarkable batting skills. He attacked the Jharkhand bowlers with ease.
Starting aggressively, Pant quickly racked up boundaries and sixes, achieving the
fastest century
in Ranji Trophy history by reaching the milestone in just 48 balls. His rapid century not only helped Delhi avoid the follow-on but also changed the course of the match.
Pant eventually scored an impressive 135 runs off just 67 balls, leading to a draw in the match. This spectacular performance put Pant in the limelight, as he ended the tournament with a remarkable 972 runs, including four centuries.
These outstanding achievements significantly contributed to his swift advancement to the national team.
Rishabh Pant has made a significant comeback in international Test cricket during the Bangladesh series in 2024. After recovering from a serious car accident, Pant played impressively in India's first match of the series. He further cemented his return by scoring a century in the second innings.
Pant's performance has earned him a notable place in the ICC Test rankings, where he is now positioned sixth.
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