Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicket-keeper batsman, is known not only for his explosive batting and agile glovework but also for his constant chatter behind the stumps. During the first Test between India and England at Headingley in June 2025, Pant's stump mic moments provided much entertainment to fans worldwide. Here are five of the cheekiest instances that had everyone talking:
"Suja diya yaar maar maar ke, ek hi jagah maare ja raha hai!" During India's first innings, Pant faced a barrage of deliveries from England's young pacer, Josh Tongue. Tongue relentlessly targeted a particular spot on Pant's body, leading to the frustrated yet humorous outburst, "He's made me swollen, man, just by hitting the same spot again and again!". This candid moment, caught clearly by the stump mic, perfectly captured Pant's pain and the ongoing battle with the bowler. The irony was not lost on anyone when Pant was dismissed by Tongue on the very next ball.
"Straight ball hai, Rishabh aise yeh jaroori nahi hai theke? Marna hai to seedha lag jayega na iss ball pe." Pant is renowned for his innovative shot selection, often attempting audacious strokes even when the situation doesn't necessarily demand it. In the second innings, while batting with KL Rahul, Pant eyed a reverse sweep against Shoaib Bashir. However, realizing the risk involved, he muttered to himself, "It's a straight ball, Rishabh, is it necessary to do this? If you want to hit, it'll connect properly on this ball.". This moment of self-assessment, caught by the stump mic, showcased Pant's awareness and his internal dialogue as he contemplated his options.
"Itna tameez se khelne ke chakkar mein..." During the second innings partnership with KL Rahul, Pant was heard expressing his frustration with playing too cautiously. Rahul, known for his composed and elegant style, was building a solid innings. Pant, on the other hand, was itching to unleash his aggressive game. The stump mic caught him saying, "Itna tameez se khelne ke chakkar mein…," which loosely translates to "Trying to play too properly…". This comment highlighted the contrasting styles of the two batsmen and Pant's inherent desire to attack. Rahul responded by reminding Pant to trust his instincts but maintain clarity in execution, a dynamic that perfectly balanced their partnership.
"Kuch alag karne ki zaroorat nahi hai." Day 4 of the Test saw Pant survive multiple close calls. After a missed DRS review following an attempted scoop shot, Pant was heard saying to himself, "Kuch alag karne ki zaroorat nahi hai," meaning "There's no need to do anything different." This statement reflected Pant's attempt to stay grounded and avoid overthinking despite the pressure and close shaves.
Banter with Jamie Smith: While specific details of the exchanges aren't available in the search results, it's mentioned that Pant had funny banter with England's wicket-keeper, Jamie Smith. Such interactions are common between wicket-keepers, adding a light-hearted element to the tense atmosphere of a Test match.
These stump mic moments from the first Test between India and England not only entertained fans but also offered a glimpse into Rishabh Pant's mindset and his unique approach to the game. His constant chatter, self-deprecating humor, and candid reflections have made him one of the most beloved and entertaining cricketers in the world today.
