Boundary with a Side of Banter: Pant’s Brilliance, Stokes’ Reaction Breaks the Internet

At Day 1 of the first India-England Test in Leeds's Headingley, Rishabh Pant reminded cricket fans why he's so one of the game's most mercurial entertainers. Coming in after Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal, Pant was given only one ball before he started a dauntless charge—advancing down the track and blasting England captain Ben Stokes over his head for a boundary.

 

The cheeky shot, on just his second ball, left Stokes absolutely in fits. England captain Stokes couldn't help but smile and exchanged friendly banter with Pant subsequently. The moment quickly went viral, as followers celebrated the return of Pant's trademark panache.

 

Pant's cheek was at a time when India were already in complete domination, thanks to centuries from Jaiswal and captain Shubman Gill. Indian vice-captain Pant's whirlwind 65* from 102 balls helped add to the domination, with the team closing on a powerful 359/3.

 

Pant and Stokes' repartee was not just a highlight—it was a reminder that Test cricket can still offer that passion and immediacy.

 

Sources: Indian Express, NDTV Sports, MSN, DNA India