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Rishabh Pant hit one of his finest knocks in the ongoing Test fixture between India and New Zealand on Saturday (October 19) in Bengaluru. The keeper-batter was imperious during his game-changing innings of 99 off 105 which brought India back into the game.
India started Day 4 (Saturday) on 231/3 with Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Pant at the crease. The duo stitched together a 177-run stand to continue an unlikely fightback by the hosts who were skittled out in the first innings.
In particular, Pant launched gigantic sixes to stamp his authority over the Black Caps bowlers. However, after the duo's departure, the Indian team fell like nine pins and were all out for 462.
Nevertheless, this knock even ranks above a few centuries Rishabh Pant has hit during his six-year Test career as he propelled India's fightback after they were trailing by 356 runs in the first innings. This was the seventh instance of the left-hander getting dismissed in the 90s in the Test format. On that note, let's take a look at his five best 90s among those knocks.
#5 92 against West Indies in Hyderabad, 2018
In October 2018, West Indies met India in the final Test of a two-match series in Hyderabad. Batting first, West Indies were all out for 311 with Roston Chase scoring a century and Umesh Yadav picking up six wickets.
In response, India got off to a terrific start with Prithvi Shaw (70). However, KL Rahul (4) and Cheteshwar Pujara (10) failed to make notable contributions. Then, skipper Virat Kohli (45) and Ajinkya Rahane continued the team's momentum. Coming in No. 5, Rishabh Pant slammed 92 off 134 and formed a 152-run partnership with Rahane (80). As a result, India compiled a total of 367, taking a lead of 56 runs.
The collective effort of the Indian bowling unit paved the way for West Indies to be bundled out for 127. Thereafter, openers Shaw (33*) and Rahul (33*) sealed the 72-run chase easily for the hosts.
#4 97 against Australia in Sydney, 2021
Rishabh Pant's knock in Sydney proved to be crucial for the Indian team as they went on to draw the fixture and eventually win the series at Gabba in the in the historic 2020-21 Australia tour.
The first innings saw Australia securing a six-run lead, with Steve Smith scoring a century. In their second innings, the hosts declared on 312/6 and set up a target of 407 for India. In response, Rohit Sharma (52) and Shubman Gill (31) provided a good start but couldn't convert go on to hit a big score. Meanwhile, the wicket of skipper Rahane (4) put the middle-order under pressure.
Nevertheless, Pant (97) and Pujara (77) added 148 runs together to keep India in the match. Then, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin displayed resilience with their 62-run partnership off 259 balls to draw the game.
#3 93 against Bangladesh in Dhaka, 2022
In a closely contested game in Dhaka in December 2022, India secured a three-wicket victory against Bangladesh as Ashwin contributed in both departments. The Tigers batted first and posted a score of 227 with Mominul Haque scoring 84.
In response, India were under the pump, as the contribution of their top four was just 24. The duo of Rishabh Pant (83) and Shreyas Iyer (87) successfully weathered the storm with their positive intent and stitched together a 159-run stand. As a result, India posted 314 on the board.
Despite a 113-run first innings lead, India struggled while chasing 145. But Iyer (29*) and Ashwin (42*) showed nerves of steel to help India emerge victorious.
#2 91 against England in Chennai, 2021
In the first Test of England's tour to India in Chennai in February 2021, the visitors batted first and amassed a staggering total of 578, with Joe Root scoring a double century.
The Indian team were under immense pressure, as they were stuttering at 73/4. However, Rishabh Pant's arrival changed the match situation, as he counter-attacked effectively. The southpaw went on to smash 91 off 88 with nine fours and five sixes and shared a 119-run stand with Washington Sundar (85*).
However, the knock went in vain as England went on to win the game by 227 runs.
#1 99 against New Zealand in Bengaluru, 2024
The ongoing Test fixture against New Zealand in Bengaluru saw India succumbing to their lowest-ever Test total of 46 at home. Thereafter, New Zealand responded by posting 402 with Rachin Ravindra (134) scoring a century.
Trailing by 356 runs, India needed a strong push to save the Test match. The likes of Rohit Sharma (52), Yashasvi Jaiswal (35) and Virat Kohli (70) played their part to keep India in the hunt. However, the hosts needed to continue their momentum to secure a respectable lead in the second innings.
At this juncture, India got important contributions from Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Pant (99) as they went on to post 462 on the board and set a 107-run target for the Black Caps. In particular, Pant's innings was a perfect blend of caution and aggression.
This knock also ranks among Pant's best 90s due to him sustaining a knee injury on Day 2 and failing to don wicket-keeping gloves. However, he rose above all challenges to help India get out of the tough situation.
