Truth that Matters. Stories that Impact

Truth that Matters. Stories that Impact

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Cheteshwar Pujara Praises Rishabh Pant’s Second-Innings 66 in Galle Test

Rishabh Pant produced a counter-attacking knock of 66 off 69 deliveries in the second innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle, helping India set the hosts a formidable 372-run target. Pant’s innings, which included four boundaries and two sixes, earned praise from former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who highlighted the wicketkeeper-batter’s composure and disciplined shot selection during a high-pressure phase in his career.

What Happened

India established control in the opening Test after compiling 462 in their first innings and dismissing Sri Lanka for 284, securing a 178-run first-innings advantage. In the second innings, India were bowled out for 193 on August 18, with Pant top-scoring with his 66-run effort. Devdutt Padikkal, who registered 167 in the first innings, added a composed 44 off 75 deliveries, while KL Rahul chipped in with 35 from 47 balls.

Sri Lanka reached 84 for 4 by stumps on Day 4 in pursuit of 372, leaving the home side needing 288 further runs with six wickets remaining.

Key Highlights

  • Pant’s Impactful Knock: Top-scored in India’s second innings with 66 off 69 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes.
  • Historic Six-Hitting Milestone: Became the first Indian and fourth batter overall to reach 100 sixes in Test cricket, achieving the record in 4,918 balls—the fewest deliveries needed by any player.
  • Sri Lanka’s Chase: Sri Lanka closed Day 4 at 84 for 4, requiring an additional 288 runs to win on Day 5.
  • Supportive Contributions: Devdutt Padikkal scored 44 and KL Rahul added 35 to support the second-innings effort.

Why This Matters

Speaking on the Sony Sports Network broadcast, Cheteshwar Pujara noted that the innings arrived at a critical juncture for Pant. With the wicketkeeper-batter currently excluded from India’s ODI and T20I squads and experiencing sub-par form in the IPL, Test cricket remains his primary international outlet.

Pujara commended Pant’s tactical adjustments compared to the first innings, where he fell while trying to hit over the top against Keshara Nuwantha with the second new ball. In the second innings, Pujara observed that Pant balanced his natural aggression with solid defense, deploying sweeps and reverse sweeps against the off-spinner while executing pulls and shots over mid-off against the pace attack.

What to Watch Next

India will enter Day 5 seeking the remaining six Sri Lankan wickets to win the opening Test, while Sri Lanka require 288 more runs with six wickets in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What milestone did Rishabh Pant achieve in the Galle Test?

Pant became the first Indian batter and fourth cricketer overall to hit 100 Test sixes. He reached the milestone in 4,918 balls, making him the fastest player to do so in terms of deliveries faced.

What did Cheteshwar Pujara praise about Pant’s batting?

Pujara praised Pant’s shot selection and sensible approach under pressure, noting how he combined defensive resilience with attacking strengths, such as utilizing the sweep against spin and pulling fast bowlers, rather than stepping out recklessly.

What is the match situation heading into Day 5?

Set a target of 372 runs, Sri Lanka ended Day 4 on 84 for 4 and need 288 runs to secure victory, while India need six wickets to close out the match.

Source: Crictracker / Sony Sports Network