In the opening Test match of the series against New Zealand, India is in a strong position thanks to the excellent partnership between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant.
As a senior player, Pant advised Sarfaraz to play it safe and take singles, yet he himself took a risk by targeting Tim Southee with aggressive shots.
The stump mic captured Pant urging Sarfaraz to remain calm, just before he went for a big hit himself. Their partnership has brought India within striking distance of New Zealand’s first innings total, with India now just 12 runs behind and poised to surpass that mark easily.
While Pant was taking on the opposition bowlers, Sarfaraz played a more cautious role.
Just another day of Pant-astic moments! 💥#RishabhPant #IDFCFirstBankTestTrophy #JioCinemaSports #INDvNZ #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/Jpjt5aLpXM
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) October 19, 2024
After Virat Kohli’s dismissal, the duo has been impressive. Sarfaraz celebrated his first Test century, while Pant contributed with a solid half-century.
In the first innings, Pant struggled to make an impact, but in the second, he has adopted a more aggressive style of play. With the momentum firmly on their side, India looks well-positioned for a potential victory.