NEW DELHI: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant brought his signature humour to India’s practice session ahead of the much-anticipated home Test series against New Zealand.
In a light-hearted exchange with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pant was seen joking about sharing a chair, creating a playful moment during an otherwise intense preparation.
In a video posted on Pant’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, the 27-year-old keeper playfully asked Jaiswal, “Chair chahiye kya tereko?” (Do you need a chair?).As there was only one free chair, Pant cheekily added, “Yeh toh nahi dunga” (I won’t give it to you), leaving both cricketers laughing at the banter.
After the humorous exchange, Pant got down to serious business, practising various shots in the nets.
The video captures him working on a wide range of strokes, hinting at the explosive form he aims to carry into the upcoming series.
India have announced a formidable 15-member squad for the three-match Test series, which begins on October 16 in Bengaluru as part of the ICC World Test Championship.
The team is led by Rohit Sharma, with fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah serving as vice-captain. Bumrah’s elevation to deputy comes as India prepare for the gruelling five-Test tour of Australia next month.
However, the squad will miss the services of experienced pacer Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from ankle surgery.
Shami sustained the injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup and will sit out the entire New Zealand series.
Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Yash Dayal, part of the squad for the Bangladesh series, has been omitted.
Despite the changes, India, having recently swept Bangladesh 2-0, remain focused on extending their lead at the top of the World Test Championship standings.
