Former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar gave a new nickname to India’s star keeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his incredible performance in the ODI series decider against England at Old Trafford on Sunday. Pant played a sensational knock against England in the third and final match at Manchester to help team India register a historic ODI win.
Rishabh Pant Played A Stunning Knock
On Sunday, chasing a target of 259 runs, the Indian cricket team was in a spot of bother after the top-order collapse. The Indian side was reeling at 72-4 after 16.2 overs, however, Pant stood up for his side when they needed him the most. Pant remained unbeaten on 125 runs off 113 balls. During his sensational knock, he smashed 16 fours and 2 sixes. He was later adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant ton.
Shoaib Akhtar Gave A New Nickname To Pant
The Pakistani bowler was left mesmerized by the stunning shots Pant had smashed as he took the game by storm. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akhtar showered praises on the 24-year-old for his consistency in pulling off incredible knocks every now and then, that too in difficult situations. He said:
“He is not Rishabh Pant, he is Rishabh ‘Phainta’. He is an incredibly courageous player. He cuts, he pulls, he also plays the reverse-sweep and isn’t afraid of anything. He won games in Australia and even here, this series should be named after him.”
He further pointed out how Pant paced his innings and took his time to settle, understanding that team India was in a crunch situation. He said:
“My advice to him would be to improve his physique because he has the talent to put a number of teams into trouble. I was also impressed with the way he was so calculative in the chase. Once he is done pacing his innings, he becomes ruthless and knows how to accelerate. He can only stop himself now from here, I don’t think anyone else can.”
