Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, has captured the hearts of cricket fans with his explosive batting style and remarkable performances in Test cricket. However, a recurring theme in his career has been his unfortunate dismissals in the 90s, a fate that has also befallen other Indian cricket legends like MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly.
Rishabh Pant’s Test Cricket Highlights
Pant’s journey in Test cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. His highest score, an unbeaten 159*, came during a thrilling match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, 2019. This innings was a masterclass in pacing, as Pant struck 15 boundaries and a six, finishing with a strike rate of 84.12. His ability to accelerate while anchoring the innings sets him apart as one of the most exciting players in the game today.
Another standout performance was on July 1, 2022, when he scored a blistering 146 runs off just 111 balls against England in Birmingham, including 19 fours and 4 sixes. This aggressive display showcased not only his skill but also his capacity to take the game away from the opposition.
The 90s Conundrum
Despite these incredible high scores, Pant has faced the agonizing reality of falling short of centuries on multiple occasions. His dismissal for 99 runs against New Zealand in Bengaluru on October 16, 2024, was particularly heart-wrenching. Battling through an injury, Pant’s performance was pivotal in helping India recover from a disastrous first innings where they were bundled out for just 46 runs.
Earlier, he faced similar misfortune when he was dismissed for 97 against Australia in Sydney on January 7, 2022, and for 96 against Sri Lanka in Mohali on March 4, 2022. Additionally, he recorded two scores of 92 against the West Indies in 2018, further adding to his near-century heartbreak.
Joining the Legends
With his dismissal at 99 against New Zealand, Pant joins an elite but unfortunate group of Indian cricketers who have been dismissed in the 90s. Notable names include Sourav Ganguly, who faced this fate twice—once against Sri Lanka in 1997 and later against England in 2002. MS Dhoni was run out for 99 against England in 2012, showcasing that even the best in the business have faced similar struggles.
Other players who have fallen victim to the 90s include Motganhalli Jaisimha, Pankaj Roy, Virender Sehwag, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Rusi Surti, Murali Vijay, and Ajit Wadekar, highlighting a trend that seems to transcend generations.
Conclusion
Rishabh Pant’s journey in Test cricket, marked by impressive scores and frustrating near-misses, reflects the highs and lows of being a professional athlete. As he continues to develop his game, fans remain hopeful that he will soon convert these close calls into centuries. While the 90s may haunt him, they also serve as a reminder of his immense talent and potential to become one of the greats in Indian cricket history.
