Bouncers are a lethal weapon for bowlers, and if a batter fails to execute a proper shot, they can pay the price. Mitchell Starc’s deadly bouncer did just that to Rishabh Pant on the first day of the final Test, as the Australian pacer’s quick delivery struck Pant’s helmet and left him in pain.
Australia’s pacers Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc, took control after winning the toss, dismissing India’s openers early. The disappointment deepened when Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli followed suit, leaving India at 72/4. With Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, India’s batting struggled further as the pitch continued to favour the pacers. In the midst of this, Pant suffered several injuries, including a headshot from Starc.
On the second ball of the 37th over, Starc bowled a perfect bouncer that angled into Pant, who failed to move out of the firing line. The ball struck the side grill of his helmet, and Pant immediately appeared shaken. Starc walked over to check on him as Pant removed his helmet, clearly in discomfort. A mandatory concussion test followed, with the Indian physio quickly attending to Pant. After a brief pause, Pant cleared the concussion test and was ready to continue. The incident caused a stir on social media, with fans reacting to Starc’s fiery delivery and Pant’s painful blow.
— DJ Sinha (@sdj374531) January 3, 2025
Mitchell Starc Sharp Bouncer to Rishabh pant 🥵.
After Virat Kohli Wicket This pitch looks like Unplayable For indian Batters😥.
Virat Kohli is the only one Who looks Good Today but 💔#INDvsAUS #ViratKohli #AUSvIND #RishabhPant #RohitSharma #GautamGambhir #Sacked #ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/F88pWHL8cC— Ajay Kaswan (@AjayKaswan32) January 3, 2025
Deadly!!
That bouncer is scary!
Mitchell Starc’s Nasty Bouncer To Rishabh Pant 🧐 pic.twitter.com/QUocO6KWyT
— Vaibhav Bhola 🇮🇳 (@VibhuBhola) January 3, 2025
Rishabh Pant A Strong Man.🇮🇳🥶
– Taking Blow On Body.🔥#AUSvIND #AUSvINDIA #AUSvsIND #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/fIUjBVYgII— 𝐈 𝐒how 𝐂ricket 🏏🇮🇳 (@IShoCricket24X7) January 3, 2025
Yes!
That hit so hard!
“What a blow 💥 straight into the helmet 🪖! Rishabh Pant’s resilience 💪 is being tested 🔥.”#INDvsAUS #AUSvIND #ViratKohli #RishabhPant #RohitSharma𓃵 pic.twitter.com/LtFPOrLzqQ
— CRIME MASTER GOGO (@crimegogo40) January 3, 2025
Nasty blow for Rishabh Pant, Hope he’s alright 🙏#AUSvIND #BGT #RishabhPant https://t.co/BsfXDw5Wcm
— Dhoni Raina Team (@DhoniRainaTeam) January 3, 2025
