After being asked to bat first, Lucknow Super Giants made a solid start against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In a surprising move, Rishabh Pant came in to bat at number three, ahead of Nicholas Pooran. The decision paid off as Pant attacked right away, smashing a six and two boundaries in Yash Dayal’s first over, helping LSG race to 55/1 in quick time.
Pant and Mitchell Marsh built a strong partnership, reaching the 100-run mark by the 10th over. Their stand continued to grow, bringing up a 100-run partnership off just 55 balls. With RCB desperate for a breakthrough, stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma turned to Krunal Pandya, hoping his lead spinner could change the game.
Krunal began his spell with a tight line, conceding just three runs in the first four deliveries of the over. Pressured to end the over with a boundary, Pant attempted to chase a wide, short ball but missed. In the process, he lost his balance and tumbled in the crease. Jitesh, seeing a chance, quickly removed the bails and appealed.
Pant, known for his humor and quick wit, wasn’t going to let the moment pass. He leaned toward Jitesh and joked that he was well inside the crease when he fell. His response had both players sharing a laugh in the middle.
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The light-hearted moment was quickly picked up by fans online, with Twitter buzzing over the playful exchange. Jitesh’s sheepish smile while fixing the stumps only added to the fun, giving fans a memorable moment amid the high-stakes clash.