Young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's inclusion over Vijay Shankar in the playing XI in Sunday, 30th June’s, World Cup clash against England left everyone surprised.
At Edgbaston, the 21-year-old was sent at the much talked-about position in the Indian batting line-up: The number four spot during the chase of 338. He came out after Virat Kohli's dismissal when India was struggling to keep up with the asking rate and along with Rohit Sharma, added 52 runs for the third wicket to bring the team back in the run chase.
Pant, who was not originally in the 15-member squad, had been drafted into the team following injury to Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan who had to return back home with a fractured thumb.
In the post-match press-conference, Indian vice-captain Rohit Sharma was asked if he felt surprised by Pant coming in at number four.
A journalist asked Rohit: “With 146 for two, where you surprised to see Rishabh Pant emerging out of the pavilion because that poor fellow had not even played one match and Hardik (Pandya) was obviously the man in form?”
To which Sharma answered: “Not really because you all guys wanted Rishabh Pant to play right? You all guys right from India, you all questioned asking ‘Where is Rishabh Pant?’ There he is at number four.”
Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar was also impressed with Pant's performance in his debut World Cup game.
"What I saw of Rishabh, he's always been a dynamic player, always been aggressive. I call him a dynamite," he added.
India will now face Bangladesh on Tuesday,2 July, and will look to win and seal their spot in the semifinals.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)