It can be presumed as a diversion tactic by the Aussie to keep the Indian star unsettled.
The high-octane Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) got underway today with the visiting Indian team opening the batting.
It was during India’s batting when wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was in the middle, veteran Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon decided to question the Indian star about his likely destination in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2025 auction). It can be presumed as a diversion tactic by the Aussie to keep Pant unsettled. The Australians seemed to be aware of the danger Pant possessed and hence kept on distracting him. Even Mitchell Marsh was spotted having a word with Rishabh.
Notably, Pant was released by his previous franchise, the Delhi Capitals, and is expected to be a hot commodity at the event in Jeddah.
Check the video of the chatter between Lyon and Rishabh Pant below.
Speaking about the match, Rishabh Pant scored a much-needed 37 and was the second-highest scorer in the Indian batting lineup in an otherwise lacklustre show.
Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy saved India’s blushes and top-scored with a deft knock of 41, while KL Rahul (26) and Dhruv Jurel (11) were the only other batters to reach double digits.
For the hosts, the pacers delivered the goods with Josh Hazlewood being the highlight performer with his 4-wicket haul. Skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Starc took two scalps each to wrap up the Indian innings.
At the time of writing this report, Australia have begun their second innings with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne currently at the crease and the scoreboard reading 19 for 1 in 6 overs. Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah gave India the first breakthrough by trapping young Nathan McSweeney lbw on 10.
For more updates, follow Cricxtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram and YouTube.
