0
Rishabh Pant once again showed why he is one of cricket’s biggest entertainers, this time adding a touch of football to his batting during India’s practice match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. After taking his time for the first 20-odd deliveries, Pant switched gears and smashed three sixes, but a video of him playing football with the ball while at the crease has also caught attention and started doing the rounds on social media.
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter’s playful moment quickly became a talking point, adding another entertaining chapter to his performance on Day 3.
Rishabh Pant’s Funny Reaction Goes Viral After Bowler Delivers Repeated Wides
Rishabh Pant’s entertaining side was on show again on the final day of India’s practice match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. After playing out his first 21 deliveries without scoring, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter finally shifted gears and launched three sixes. His attacking intent soon forced spinner Dilum Sudeera to change his approach, with the bowler sending deliveries wide down the leg side.
Rishabh Pant is proper entertainer in test cricket 🤣❤️ bro playing football while batting pic.twitter.com/3rSSEQT2Kv
— Ansh (@159atsydney_) August 9, 2026
Instead of letting the wide balls pass, Pant turned the moment into a bit of fun, using his football skills to kick the deliveries away. The unusual reaction quickly caught the attention of the commentators and fans, with clips of the incident now circulating widely on social media.
Pant had taken a completely different approach after being dismissed cheaply in the first innings, choosing to defend throughout his opening 21 balls in the second. The unusually cautious start even drew a reaction from Gautam Gambhir in the dressing room, but Pant eventually returned to his trademark aggression, hitting Keshara Nuwanta and Sudeera for sixes before adding another memorable moment with his improvised football kicks.
Why Rishabh Pant Is One of Cricket’s Most Entertaining Batters
Rishabh Pant has built a reputation as one of cricket’s most unpredictable and entertaining batters, combining fearless shot-making with an unconventional style that often produces memorable moments. His repertoire includes reverse scoops against pace, one-handed sixes and unusual paddle shots, while his willingness to take risks has repeatedly left both fans and commentators stunned.
Pant’s personality is just as entertaining as his batting. From accidentally sending his bat flying while attempting an aggressive stroke to celebrating a Test century with an acrobatic somersault, he regularly finds ways to create moments beyond the scorecard. His biggest strength, however, remains his fearless approach under pressure, where his attacking mindset can completely change the course of a match.