As India gears up for the second Test match in Kanpur, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has added an unexpected twist to his usual preparation. Pant, who is known for his explosive batting and reliable wicketkeeping, was seen practicing leg spin during the team’s net session. This has left fans buzzing with curiosity—will Pant bowl in the upcoming match?
Pant’s Unlikely Bowling Practice
Rishabh Pant, already a key player for the Indian team, gave fans a new reason to talk when he bowled leg spin in the nets ahead of the Kanpur Test. Although this is not the first time non-regular bowlers have practiced their bowling—especially under head coach Gautam Gambhir—Pant’s appearance as a bowler certainly raised eyebrows. Pant even made Shubman Gill practice against his leg-spin deliveries during the session.
Despite this unexpected sight, it’s highly unlikely that Pant will bowl in the match. As a wicketkeeper, Pant already has significant responsibilities behind the stumps and with the bat. With seasoned spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the squad, it’s improbable that Pant will be required to bowl, even on a spin-friendly Kanpur pitch.
Focus on Spin for the Kanpur Pitch
The Kanpur pitch is traditionally known to support spinners, so the Indian team’s spin-bowling options will be crucial. With Ashwin and Jadeja leading the charge as the primary spinners, there are other part-time bowling options available as well. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both primarily batsmen, can provide off-spin and leg-spin respectively if needed.
Pant’s leg spin practice could simply be part of his routine warm-up or a fun challenge during the net session. Nevertheless, the sight of him bowling was enough to set social media abuzz, with many fans jokingly wondering if Pant would be India’s new secret weapon.
Highlights from the Kanpur Net Session
The Indian team’s first net session ahead of the Kanpur Test saw a light and relaxed atmosphere. Players arrived in batches, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Sarfaraz Khan being the first to start their practice. Team stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli arrived a little later, both spending minimal time in the nets at first. However, Kohli returned later for an extended session, facing deliveries from Akshar Patel, Ashwin, and Bumrah.
Jaiswal, one of the young talents in the squad, put in the most effort during the session. He received valuable guidance from captain Rohit Sharma, who spent time coaching the young opener on the finer aspects of batting.
Meanwhile, fast bowlers Jaspreet Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj were also seen putting in work alongside the spinners, preparing for what is expected to be a challenging Test match on a spin-heavy pitch.
Lighthearted Moments in the Indian Camp
The atmosphere during the practice session was light and cheerful, with players enjoying themselves on the field. Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli, known for their fun-loving personalities, were seen joking and laughing together, adding to the positive vibe in the Indian camp. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was also spotted interacting with the players, ensuring they remained focused yet relaxed ahead of the match.
With a well-rounded squad and multiple bowling options, India looks set for the challenge in Kanpur, and while Rishabh Pant’s leg spin may not feature in the actual match, it certainly added an interesting twist to the team’s preparation.
