Team India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant made headlines on the third day of the first Test against England — not for his wicketkeeping, but due to an on-field outburst. Usually known for his calm and composed nature, Pant was visibly frustrated at the umpire’s decision during play at Headingley, Leeds.
Pant Upset Over Ball Change Request
Around the 60th over, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant noticed that the ball was no longer swinging or reversing. Pant approached umpire Chris Gaffaney and requested a ball change. The umpire checked the ball with the gauge but denied the request. This decision clearly upset Pant, and his frustration was visible.
Angry Reaction Captured on Camera
Before the final delivery of the next over, Pant flicked the ball away angrily, a moment caught on camera. His reaction led to booing from the crowd in the stadium. The incident quickly went viral on social media, and Pant may now face a warning or fine from the match referee for breaching the spirit of the game. Captain Shubman Gill also appeared unhappy with the umpire’s call.
Excellent Work Behind the Stumps
Despite the controversy, Pant continued to impress with the gloves. He took a brilliant catch off Prasidh Krishna’s bowling to dismiss Ollie Pope in just the third over of the day. Later, when Mohammed Siraj removed England captain Ben Stokes, Pant again grabbed a sharp catch. A frustrated Stokes was seen throwing his bat in the air as he walked off.
Pant Reaches 150 Catches Milestone
Amidst the drama, Pant also achieved a significant milestone. With the catch of Ollie Pope, he completed 150 catches in Test cricket. He became only the third Indian wicketkeeper to achieve this feat, after MS Dhoni (256) and Syed Kirmani (160). In total, Pant now has 165 dismissals in 44 Test matches, including 15 stumpings.