During the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, Rishabh Pant engaged in a series of on-field exchanges with England's Harry Brook, showcasing his wit and composure. The interactions, caught on stump mics and cameras, quickly went viral, adding a layer of entertainment to the already intense match.
One notable incident occurred on Day 4 when Brook attempted to get under Pant's skin by bringing up the topic of fastest Test centuries. Brook inquired about Pant's fastest hundred, seemingly trying to bait him into reckless aggression. Pant responded that it was "80-90 minutes". Brook then mentioned his own fastest century of 55 balls in the Indian Premier League (IPL), suggesting Pant could aim for a similar feat that day. Pant, however, nonchalantly shut down Brook's attempt with the remark, "It's okay, not very greedy for records. If it happens, it happens". This response was praised for its humility and self-assuredness.
Pant's performance on the field backed up his words. He scored a brisk 65 off 58 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes, contributing to India's momentum. His aggressive approach put pressure back on the England bowlers and allowed India to set up a bold declaration.
Earlier in the match, on Day 2, Pant had also shown his frustration with Brook's tactics to slow down the game. Pant was seen complaining to the umpire about Brook taking an unusually long time to get ready between deliveries. He gestured and questioned, "What is this? Every ball? He's taking time to get ready every ball". Shubman Gill, the India captain, also appeared irritated by the delays and urged the umpires to intervene.
Another light-hearted moment between Pant and Brook happened when Brook edged a ball off Ravindra Jadeja, and it deflected off Gill's head at first slip for a boundary. Brook cheekily said to Pant, "New one!", referring to the shot. Pant responded with a smile, "New shot, huh!".
These instances highlight the competitive yet sportsmanlike atmosphere of the Test series. While both Pant and Brook are known for their attacking styles and lively personalities, these exchanges demonstrated their ability to maintain camaraderie amidst the pressure of the game. Pant's witty remarks and composed demeanor, particularly his "not greedy" response, resonated with fans and showcased his maturity as a player.
