Before play started on the final day of the first-round Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, a man in the blue training jersey joined India A's huddle. When the players came out of the huddle, the man in blue turned out to be India B's wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
"India A huddle this morning, who's the gentleman in the blue T-shirt?" a surprised commentator said, noticing a different-coloured jersey.
"Rishabh Pant! India B! He knows the plans," he further added as Pant left with a smile giving a clap to India A pacer Avesh Khan.
Known to keep the dressing room environment light for every team he plays for, this was another moment when the Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman was at his jovial best.
Pant is making his return to red-ball format since his car accident in December 2022. He started playing competitive cricket with the Indian Premier League earlier this year.
He was disappointed with his effort in the first innings for India B, dismissed for just 7 runs. But Pant made amends in the second innings by scoring a brisk 61 off 47 balls.
The 26-year-old stumper is expected to be picked for India's Test squad for the two-match home series against Bangladesh later this month.
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