A video, doing the rounds across social media platforms, captured a funny moment involving Rishabh Pant. Ahead of India’s two-match away Test series against Sri Lanka, the keeper-batter remains in the spotlight, mostly because of his unpredictable batting approach.
But the viral video shows a different side of the India National Cricket Team star. It was a funny Rishabh Pant who took a banter towards the support staff of the Indian cricket team. The video was captured inside a gym in Sri Lanka. Rishabh himself shared the video on his Instagram story, which instantly caught cricket fans’ attention.
Rishabh Pant is involved in a funny banter with the support staff
Through the video, it can be seen that the keeper-batter is in a gym with support staff. While the phone was most probably in Rishabh’s hand, the support staff member went for a one-arm preacher curl. Watching the support staff working hard in the gym, the 28-year-old could not resist throwing a funny comment.
“What are you doing? Dole shole!” Rishabh Pant can be heard saying in the video before panning the camera towards the massive glass windows of the gym.
— Cricket Fan (@Cricketfan_five) August 11, 2026
Rishabh Pant batted unusually during the warm-up match in Colombo
The Indian cricket team is all set to face Sri Lanka, the host, for the first of the two-match Test series on August 15 in Galle before moving to Colombo for the second and final contest of the competition.
Before diving straight into the series, the Men in Blue faced the Sri Lanka Cricket XI for a warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo from August 7 to 9. From Colombo, they travelled to Galle for the first Test, and then they will have to visit Colombo again for the second.
The Shubman Gill-led side confirmed a comfortable win against the SL Cricket XI by 6 wickets. Rishabh looked off color in the three-day practice match, or rather, can be said to have displayed an unusual way of batting. The southpaw, who is famous for his attacking and unorthodox batting approach, batted with a very low strike rate.
In the first innings and second innings of the match, he got only 2 and 28 before losing his wickets. During the 28-run knock, Rishabh Pant hammered the Sri Lankan bowlers for only one four and three 6s with a strike rate of 41.18, while his overall strike rate in Tests is 74.05.
Rishabh Pant should get the freedom to attack: Deep Dasgupta
Deep Dasgupta, a former India cricketer turned commentator and cricket expert, urged the Indian team management to allow Rishabh to open his arms as he could make a massive impact in both of the matches significantly.
In his official YouTube channel, Deep explained that forceful defense will not work for Rishabh Pant as he is a natural attacking batter; attacking is his strength.
“He should bat exactly the way he usually does. I remember a few matches back where he was overtly defensive. I would rather have him get out going for a six than getting out playing a forceful defense.”
“Rishabh should get the freedom to attack, and that’s also his strength. Also, Sri Lanka’s spinners are predominantly left-arm spinners. So Rishabh being in form and having the right mindset is crucial for India in this series,” Deep Dasgupta said.