He has his own computer, only he knows how it works: Shastri defines Pant's USP

ANI June 21, 2025 333 views

Ravi Shastri marveled at Rishabh Pant's "computer-like" batting as the star notched a thrilling century at Headingley. Pant's knock surpassed MS Dhoni's tally for most Test tons by an Indian wicketkeeper. His ability to switch gears between defence and attack left England bewildered. The innings cemented Pant's reputation as India's most explosive match-winner in SENA conditions.

"He has his own computer, and only he knows how it works. That’s his USP." – Ravi Shastri
Leeds, June 21: Former head coach and cricketer Ravi Shastri was impressed with "outrageous" Rishabh Pant, who dazzled at Headingley with a rollicking century on day two of the first Test against England.

Key Points

1

Pant smashes 7th Test ton with flamboyant strokeplay

2

Surpasses Dhoni as India's top wicketkeeper-centurion

3

Shastri praises his adaptable, pressure-shifting style

4

Equals Ganguly's England century record

Pant tormented the English bowling unit with his flamboyant strokeplay with a vast array of shots and robust defence. Through Pant's relentless onslaught, England got a taste of 'Bazball' with the southpaw applying his touch and enchanting the spectators with 'Pantball'.

He brought up his century in trademark style, dispatching the ball past the boundary rope with a stunning one-handed effort. The crowd roared in jubilation as Pant pulled off a somersault and warmly embraced captain Shubman Gill to celebrate his 7th Test century.

"What do you say about Pant?! I used the word outrageous yesterday, and nothing has changed. He plays the numbers game beautifully and plays the way he wants," Shastri said on Sky Sports.

It wasn't a usual all-guns blazing approach from Pant. He switched through gears when the phase of acceleration arrived. When the surface played tricks and allowed the ball to dance to the bowler's will, he negated the threat with his impeccable defensive technique.

"He will block for a bit and then decides he has to go after the bowler and shift gears. He has his own computer, and only he knows how it works. That's his USP. That's what puts bowlers under pressure and makes him box office, a real entertainer and a match winner," he added.

With his record-shattering display, Pant surpassed India's legendary captain MS Dhoni to become the player with the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter and continued his mastery in South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia (SENA) conditions. Pant boasts seven centuries, outdoing Dhoni's tally of six.

The 27-year-old levelled former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly's record to have the joint third-most Test centuries in England (three each). The highest number of centuries by an Indian in England is by Rahul Dravid (6), followed by Sachin Tendulkar (4) and Dilip Vengasarkar (4).

Pant's blitzkrieg at Headingley was brought to an end by Josh Tongue. The Indian vice-captain was struggling with Tongue's inswing. He watched the ball land and decided to offer no shot. The ball nipped back sharply and pinned him in front of the stumps, forcing him to return with 134(178).

Reader Comments

A
Arjun P.
Pant is pure entertainment! 🇮🇳 That one-handed six for his century was jaw-dropping. Shastri's "own computer" analogy is perfect - nobody can predict what he'll do next. Hope he keeps breaking records and giving us these magical moments!
S
Shalini K.
While Pant's batting is exciting, I sometimes worry he takes too many risks in Test cricket. That dismissal to Tongue shows he still needs to work on his defense against quality swing bowling. But can't deny he's a special talent!
R
Rahul M.
Pantball > Bazball any day! 😂 The way he counter-attacks in tough overseas conditions makes him priceless for India. Surpassing Dhoni's record at just 27 is no joke. Future legend in the making!
P
Priya N.
As a Delhiite, I've watched Pant since his domestic days. His journey from that brash youngster to now vice-captain material is incredible. That somersault celebration gave me goosebumps! More power to you, RP!
V
Vikram S.
Shastri's commentary is as entertaining as Pant's batting! "Own computer" wala line zabardast hai. Pant has that rare ability to change the game's momentum in one session. Hope he stays fit and keeps entertaining us for years to come.
N
Neha T.
The most impressive part? He's scoring these centuries in SENA countries where most of our batsmen struggle. That shows his real class. Just needs to be a bit more consistent and he'll be an all-time great.

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Rishabh Pant Ravi Shastri India vs England Headingley Test Pantball Cricket Records