Pant, the 20-year-old wicket-keeper batsman and one of India’s brightest starlets, struck 15 fours and seven sixes in a stunning 128* off 63 balls in New Delhi on Thursday, May 10, against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

It was the first century by an Indian this IPL, and the joint fifth-highest score of all time in the tournament. His 56-ball hundred was some way off the 32-ball century he bludgeoned earlier in the year at the same Feroz Shah Kotla ground, but given the conditions and the bowling attack, it was still something special.

Hyderabad, though, having done well in defending totals till now, showed they were up to chasing an above-par total and confirmed their play-offs spot.

“Having played on the pitch for so many years, I knew there was less bounce, it was a flat wicket, and the ground too is small. So, I took the aerial route more often and it worked for me,” said Dhawan, after his match award-winning 50-ball 92*.

“I backed my attacking game. Kane (83* off 53), meanwhile, has been in good touch, he has been making runs consistently. He played his natural game. We complemented each other well.”