• Rishabh Pant emulated MS Dhoni's helicopter shot during India's 43-run victory over Sri Lanka.

  • India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

WATCH: Rishabh Pant pulls off MS Dhoni-esque helicopter shot as India dominate Sri Lanka in 1st T20I
Rishabh Pant - helicopter shot (PC: X)

In a thrilling display of power-hitting, Team India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant channeled MS Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot during the first T20I of the three-match series against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The match saw India clinch a 43-run victory, setting a strong tone for the series.

Rishabh Pant does a MS Dhoni

In the 16th over of India’s innings, Pant executed the helicopter shot against right-arm pacer Asitha Fernando. Attempting a wide yorker, Fernando misjudged and delivered a full toss at a comfortable length. Seizing the opportunity, Pant positioned himself perfectly and launched the ball into the stands on the on-side, much to the delight of the crowd.

Here’s the video:

Pant’s explosive innings of 49 runs off 33 balls included one six and 6 fours. This performance marked a return to form for Pant, who had struggled with scores of 0, 4, and 15 in the 2024 T20 World Cup. His 76-run partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav for the third wicket was crucial in building India’s formidable total.

Also READ: Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar takes an indirect dig at Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir

Comprehensive win for Team India

During his knock, Pant also reached a significant milestone, completing 5,000 runs in T20 cricket. His resurgence was a welcome boost for India, who posted a commanding 213/7 in their 20 overs. Yadav contributed significantly with a solid 58 off just 26 balls, while Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana was the standout bowler, taking 4/40.

In response, Sri Lanka were restricted to just 170 in 19.2 overs, falling short by 43 runs. Pathum Nissanka (79 off 48) and Kusal Perera (45 off 27) provided the home team a solid start but after Mendis’ dismissal in the ninth over, Indian bowlers dominated. Riyan Parag shone with figures of 3-5, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel chipped in with 2-24 and 2-38, respectively.

The second T20I will be played at the same venue in Pallekele on Sunday, July 27.

Also READ: SL vs IND, 2nd T20I – Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Sri Lanka vs India 2024

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Weekly News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Featured Rishabh Pant Video

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
Anirudh is the Head of Content at CricketTimes.com. He is a seasoned journalist and content writer with 12 years of experience in the field of cricket. With over 9,000 published articles under his belt, Anirudh brings a creative and strategic approach to his work, always striving to deliver content that resonates with audiences. A die-hard sports fan who loves playing, watching and talking about cricket. Cricket is his Religion & 'Sachin Tendulkar' his GOD. His motto of life is Eat, Sleep, Cricket, REPEAT!! You can write to him at anirudh@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.