Rishabh Pant registered his fourth Test century on Day 3 of the ongoing third Test match between India and South Africa in Cape Town. The knockout proved to be crucial, as India reached 198 in its second inning, a 212 run goal for the hosts. Pant hit 100 of 139 balls and went unbeaten. During his blistering knock, he also hammered six fours and four maxima. Former India opener Virender Sehwag led the reaction on Twitter as fans and pundits praised the wicketkeeper batter. The legendary cricketer wrote: “Incredible 100 from #RishabhPant. Only two other batsmen reached double fingers and single-handedly kept India in the game. Not just an ex-factor, but one of India’s biggest match-winners in Test cricket.”
unbelievable from #RishabPant . Only two other batsmen reached double fingers and single-handedly kept India in the game. Not just an ex-factor, but one of India’s greatest match winners in Test cricket. pic.twitter.com/8FqX1FrIIK
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 13, 2022
IPL side Rajasthan Royals (RR) also praised the ton, calling it “top quality”.
“Take care of your bat and it will take care of you!” A top quality barrel of Rishabh Pant 100,” wrote RR.
“!”
A top quality barrel from Rishabh Pant. pic.twitter.com/rTux8U6D6L
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) January 13, 2022
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“A simply excellent knock by @RishabhPant17 at a crucial stage! Well done,” wrote Sachin Tendulkar.
A simply excellent knock through @RishabPant17 at a crucial stage!
Well done.#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/gdlTgfH3UE
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 13, 2022
Here are the other responses:
Having previously scored Testtons in Australia and England, this one in Cape Town tops the list with one of the best counter-attacking innings you’d ever see. Has kept India in the game. take a bow, #RishabPant . pic.twitter.com/Rfo8C3ZBgS
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 13, 2022
There are child prodigies, late bloomers, record makers and then there is Rishabh Pant – a match winner and a perfect team man. @RishabPant17 #INDvsSA
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 13, 2022
@RishabPant17 #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/yIbfZ2BXhQ
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 13, 2022
Other than Pant’s hit, other Indian batters had a mediocre performance. Virat Kohli managed to collect 29 runs from 143 balls and team up with Pant, but lost his wicket in the 49th over.
With the series level at 1-1, the Proteas hope not to lose any quick wickets on Day 3 and set up a steady start for Day 4. Meanwhile, the Indian bowling department will be looking for some quick wickets.
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