In a thrilling moment during the 2024 Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, September 6, Rishabh Pant took an exceptional catch to dismiss Mayank Agarwal. Agarwal, who had been in fine form, scoring 36 runs off 45 balls with eight boundaries, was sent back to the pavilion in the 16th over of India A’s first innings.
Navdeep Saini bowled a short delivery down the leg side, and Agarwal attempted to glance the ball towards fine leg. However, he misjudged the shot, and Rishabh Pant, with incredible reflexes, dived to his right to complete a spectacular catch. The wicketkeeper’s brilliance ensured Agarwal’s dismissal, marking a key moment in the match.
This game is particularly significant for Rishabh Pant as he is making his much-anticipated return to red-ball cricket after recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident in December 2022. Although his return behind the stumps was remarkable, Pant struggled with the bat, managing just seven runs off 10 deliveries. He will be eager to make amends in the second innings, as he eyes a strong comeback ahead of India’s packed Test schedule.
Rishabh Pant is widely expected to be included in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. As one of India’s key players in the longest format, Pant’s form and fitness will be closely watched as the national team prepares for a busy season, including nine out of the next 10 Test matches.
