Rishabh Pant's Test series against England was more than just runs and records - it was a reminder why he has become one of cricket's biggest crowd-pullers.
Pant delivered match-defining performances and fought through injury to leave a lasting mark on the five-Test series. His exploits drew glowing praise from Dinesh Karthik - who called him a "bona fide superstar" during a Cricbuzz chat with Harsha Bhogle.
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Dinesh Karthik praises Rishabh Pant's Test heroics and global fan appeal
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Karthik highlighted Pant's unique appeal across nations, not just in India. He also noted that despite missing a match, Pant still finished among the top five run-scorers of the series.
"He is a bona fide superstar in this format. There are certain people who pull crowds. India celebrates him, but Australia and England celebrate him just as much. This boy is made for Test cricket - keeping it exciting and interesting. He is consistent, and there are two people who do it their own ways: him for India and Harry Brook for England," said Karthik.
In the Headingley Test, Pant became the first Indian to score centuries in both innings of a Test in England - 134 and 118. He also became the fastest Indian wicket-keeper to reach 3,000 Test runs.
His determination shone through in Manchester when a reverse sweep attempt left him with a fractured toe. Less than a day later, he batted again - limping his way to a 54.
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The injury ruled him out of wicket-keeping for the rest of the match and the final Test. He will now spend several weeks on the sidelines - missing the Asia Cup and the West Indies Tests.