Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
This year’s Indian Premier League saw many young local talents take centrestage. But the brightest among them was 20-year-old Rishabh Pant, whose 63-ball 128 lit up the tournament this time around.
Pant, who went onto become the second-highest scorer in the competition with 684 runs, leads the list of highest scores by an Indian in IPL history. His tally of 37 sixes was also the highest in the tournament.
In his record-breaking innings against Sunrisers on 10 May in Delhi, the local boy displayed clean and powerful hitting.
It was a great feeling, especially since it came in a tournament like the IPL. I just concentrated on my game and played the ball on merit.Rishabh Pant to The Quint
In the last over of the innings, Pant hit experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar for an unthinkable 26 runs, which included 2 fours and three sixes. Pant was involved in two run-outs, which derailed the Daredevils innings, before the left-hander took things in his own hands.
Run-outs are part and parcel of the game and no one does it intentionally. There was wrong calling, which happens in cricket but there was no added pressure due to them.Rishabh Pant to The Quint
Pant says that although Virender Sehwag has had a strong influence on him, it is Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist that he relates to the most.
He (Adam Gilchrist) was a wicket-keeper and left-handed opening batsman. Similarly, I am also a wicket-keeper and left-handed opening batsman. I used to follow him a lot and loved the way he used to play.Rishabh Pant to The Quint
With the Football World Cup just around the corner, Pant also told The Quint about the team of his choice. “I will be supporting Spain because I am a big fan of Sergio Ramos,” says the cricketer, who was wearing the apparel of his favourite team during the interaction. Ramos, who captains Real Madrid in club football, will lead the Spanish national side in Russia.
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