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India’s dynamic wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has sent shockwaves through cricket fans and experts alike after smashing a colossal six that broke part of the stadium roof during a practice session ahead of the upcoming Test series against England. Despite a quiet Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign, Pant’s recent display signals a return to form and confidence as he prepares to lead India as the newly appointed Test vice-captain alongside captain Shubman Gill.
Rishabh Pant’s roof-breaking six during practice session
During a net session at the Beckenham facility in England, Pant faced off against Washington Sundar and unleashed a thunderous six that soared high enough to damage the stadium’s roof. The video of this extraordinary hit quickly went viral, capturing the imagination of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Pant went down on one knee to execute the shot, showcasing not only raw power but also elegant timing and control. This moment was symbolic, especially considering Pant’s subdued IPL season where he scored just 151 runs in 12 innings. The six not only demonstrated his regained touch but also set the tone for the upcoming five-match Test series starting June 20, 2025, across iconic venues like Headingley, Lord’s, and The Oval.
This practice session also featured intense drills with key players such as Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, under the watchful eyes of head coach Gautam Gambhir and fielding coach T Dilip. The one-on-one battle between Bumrah and Gill highlighted the competitive spirit within the squad, while Pant’s explosive batting reaffirmed his crucial role in the team’s strategy.
Here’s the video:
Rishabh Pant breaking the roof with his six. 😲pic.twitter.com/ZkVjahRad6
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 9, 2025
Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant playfully recalls Rohit Sharma’s iconic dialogue in fan interaction before England tour
Pant being the ideal vice-captain for a new era
Pant’s appointment as India’s Test vice-captain is a strategic move by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. With the retirements of senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India is ushering in a new leadership phase. Pant, at 27, is one of India’s most prolific Test batters over the last four to five years, having scored 2,948 runs in 43 Tests at an average of 42.11, including six centuries and five fifties. His ability to read the game from behind the stumps as a wicketkeeper adds immense value to his leadership credentials. Agarkar emphasized that Pant’s experience and game awareness make him the perfect deputy to Gill, who at 25, is India’s fourth youngest Test captain.
Pant’s record in England is particularly impressive, with two centuries and two fifties in nine Tests, amassing 556 runs on English soil. His leadership role is not just symbolic; he is expected to marshal the batting unit and provide strategic insights during the high-pressure series against England, which also marks the start of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Also READ: ENG vs IND 2025: Concerns for India as Rishabh Pant leaves net practice after sustaining injury
