Fans on Twitter reacted in joy as the Indian Cricket Team sent Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan to open in the second T20I against New Zealand in the ongoing three-match series. They were elated with the opening pair and said that the team has recreated the 2016 U-19 World Cup opening pair.
Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan open for India in the second T20I against New Zealand
After the first game being washed out, India is currently locking horns with New Zealand in the second T20I at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The hosts won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Indian team surprised many with their combination.
But what stood out was the opening pair. The Men in Blue sent out two left-handers in Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan to open the innings. Although the vice-captain looked a little bit scratchy but he stitched 36 runs partnership for the first wicket.
Both Pant and Kishan tried to attack the New Zealand bowlers but the pacers bowled exceptional lines and lengths and didn’t allow them to get going. While Pant fell for 6 runs, Kishan after getting settled took bowlers to the cleaners and smashed a flurry of boundaries.
Notably, both Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant opened the innings for India in the U19 World Cup in 2016. They played staggeringly well batting at the top of the order and helped their side reach the final. With them coming to open the innings once again, it reminded fans of the junior-level tournament.
Fans on Twitter react as Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan open innings for India against New Zealand
As Pant and Kishan came to open the innings for India, fans on Twitter were elated in joy. They were amazed by the move and said that the Indian Cricket Team recreated the 2016 U-19 World Cup opening pair. Here are some of the reactions:
Why can't we recreate this by sending Ishan & pant as openers in this T20I series ?? pic.twitter.com/h9h7BBmuTQ
— Raja Sekhar Yadav (@cricketwithraju) November 18, 2022
He has that temperament to showcase these kind of innings
— Aditya Pandita (@oyepanditaa) November 18, 2022
In 2016 U-19 WC: Pant & Ishan were the openers for India.
In 2022 T20I: Pant & Ishan opening for India.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 20, 2022
Destruction on the way
— Sohail. (@iamsohail__1) November 20, 2022
Perfect X1 but Samson in place of Hooda will be good choice
— Cricket Crazy 🇮🇳 (@CricketCrazy00) November 20, 2022
Make this permanent one both likes to bat aggressively
— Soumyadip Choudhury. (@DipSoumya12) November 20, 2022
Saw an idiot questioning this combo and asking Gill to play. Thank God the team doesn't think so.
— Jayesh (@Jayesh_45) November 20, 2022
Pant scoring century today who say no ..
— ηєнα (@_dreamer__neha) November 20, 2022
Pant made a brilliant nock what an innings from future captain 👩✈️
— dileep (@dileep12310203) November 20, 2022
