Rishabh Pant was back to his best on day three of the third Test between India and South Africa, hitting an unbeaten 100 in a third-innings total of 198.
After a high score of 34 in the series, Pant counterattacked against the Proteas attack as India pushed on a from a narrow first-innings lead of 13. Alongside Virat Kohli, Pant put on 94 for the fifth wicket and dominated the stand with 71 runs off 76 balls.
After Kohli departed to Lungi Ngidi for 29, the keeper-batter kept on going, bringing up his first Test century in South Africa and the fourth of his Test career.
The 24-year-old’s knock won plaudits across the cricketing world, with several of India’s greats heaping praise on Pant.
He has scored Test tons in Australia and England before and this one in Cape Town is right up there with one of the best counter- attacking innings one would ever see. Has kept India in the game. Take a bow, #RishabhPant . pic.twitter.com/Rfo8C3ZBgS
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 13, 2022
A simply outstanding knock by @RishabhPant17 at a crucial stage!
Well done.#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/gdlTgfH3UE
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 13, 2022
Is ladke ko free hi chhod do. One of the biggest match winners in Test Cricket round the world #RishabhPant
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 13, 2022
Incredible 💯 from #RishabhPant . Just two other batsmen reached double fingers and has single -handedly kept India in the game. Not just an ex-factor but one of India’s biggest match-winner in Test cricket. pic.twitter.com/8FqX1FrIIK
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 13, 2022
At 24 years of age, centuries in England, Australia and South Africa. Scored more than half of India’s total and has kept India in the game. Indeed a very special player , #RishabhPant . pic.twitter.com/rbb1hJVv4R
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) January 13, 2022
There was healthy praise from elsewhere too.
One of the GREAT Test hundreds @RishabhPant17 !! #Incredible #SAvsIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 13, 2022
RISHABH PANT CENTURY! 🔥 He’s played a damn great innings! Rising to the occasion when his team needs him. And how fun is it watching him bat! An absolute joy. Very exciting. Well played!! 👏🏼 #SAvIND
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) January 13, 2022
Hundreds in England Australia SAF. A match winner in the decider in Brisbane and now a 100 in a decider in SA, this man is a game changer Indian cricket will always love to have. Well played. @RishabhPant17 #RishabhPant #SAvIND
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) January 13, 2022
