[Watch] “Helmet se bhi LBW le sakte hain” – Rishabh Pant’s reaction to Ravichandran Ashwin goes viral in IND vs BAN 2024 2nd Test

Rishabh Pant is a fun-loving character and is often seen enjoying behind the stumps much to the delight of his teammates. The wicketkeeper came up with a funny response, showing his brilliant presence of mind to a delivery from Ravichandran Ashwin that hit the pads and then the helmet.

The incident took place in the 33rd over of Bangladesh’s innings during the second Test in Kanpur on Day 1 (Friday, September 27). Ashwin bowled a full-length delivery that hit the helmets, which looked in line with the stumps. Reacting to the development, Pant said:

“Ye acha hai, Helmet se bhi LBW le sakte hain (This one is better, can appeal for LBW if it hits the helmets.)”

Former India captain-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar was left in splits with Rishabh Pant's cheeky reaction behind the stumps.

For the unversed, the LBW or Leg Before Wicket doesn’t necessarily have to hit the pad. If the ball hits the arm, shoulder or chest, the principle of LBW still applies and then a batter can be given out by the umpire. However, if the ball hits the hands in control of the bat, the LBW decision cannot be given.

What does the LBW rule say?

According to rule 36.1 of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC):

"The striker is out LBW if all the circumstances set out in the bowler delivers a ball, not being a no-ball but for the interception, the ball would have hit the wicket."

Rishabh Pant re-enters top 10 in ICC Test rankings on his comeback after 18 months

Rishabh Pant has re-entered the top 10 of the latest ICC rankings among batters on his comeback to the format after December 2022. The left-handed batter scored 39 and 109 against Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai. He missed 15 months of action due to injuries sustained in a car accident in December 2022 before making his return to competitive cricket in March earlier this year.

This was his sixth Test century, joint equal with former India skipper MS Dhoni. The 26-year-old is currently sixth in the ICC Test rankings.

Pant remains key to India’s success in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia.

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