Twitter Reactions: Rishabh Pant's 78-run blitzkrieg propels Delhi Capitals to 213

Mumbai Indians (MI) got their campaign underway against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the iconic Wankhede stadium. But it was all about Rishabh Pant after the home side opted to bowl first. Colin Ingram and Shikhar Dhawan also batted well but the left-handed youngster just ripped apart the bowlers of Mumbai. The Capitals crossed the 200-run mark as well to eventually end on 205 runs for the loss of six wickets after 20 overs.

Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw opened the innings for the visitors even as the MI handed a debut to the youngster Rasikh Salam who shared the new ball with Mitchell McClenaghan. The duo started off cautiously but the latter got out which was an early dent to the Capitals. Even Shreyas Iyer was dismissed early but Colin Ingram’s arrival at number four only eased the nerves for Dhawan who was struggling a lot.

Both of them added 83 runs for the third wicket to shift the momentum. Just when Ingram was looking dangerous McClenaghan got the prized scalp of Ingram. His wicket brought Rishabh Pant to the crease and it only made things worse for Mumbai Indians.

Pant goes bang bang

Pant played a couple of weird strokes to start off. But then after Dhawan had a word with him, he rotated the strike well. After getting his eyes in, the southpaw went berserk against each of the bowlers while also playing a helicopter shot off Jasprit Bumrah, one of the best death bowlers in world cricket. In the process, Pant also reached his half-century off just 18 balls and then went haywire.

Nobody was spared by Pant as he remained unbeaten on 78 runs just 27 deliveries. His innings was laced with seven fours and as many sixes which were a delight to watch. Eventually, the Delhi Capitals ended their innings of 213 runs for the loss of six wickets after 20 overs. None of the bowlers could stem the run-flow from Mumbai despite picking the wickets early and they will now need to ace their highest ever chase in the IPL history.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

rishabh pant has ensured that the russell innings isn't even the most explosive played in the last couple of hours #MIvDC

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) March 24, 2019

Rishabh Pant is an incredible talent #DCvsMI

— Ajit Agarkar (@imAagarkar) March 24, 2019

50 off 17 balls for @RishabPant777 … #IPL2019 … No idea why he keeps getting criticised In India … Just let him play the way he plays …

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 24, 2019

Big things come in small packages #RishabPant such a hands player , never seems to get head in line but somehow seems to get enough power to get it over the ropes #MIvsDC #IPL #IPL2019 #BadriBytes

— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) March 24, 2019

Rishabh Pant is a serious player !!!

— Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) March 24, 2019

Oh nahi reesan teriyan shera @RishabPant777 #topclass 👏👏 #MIvsDC #IPL2019

— Mandeep Singh (@mandeeps12) March 24, 2019

Just Wow from Pant !

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 24, 2019

Rishabh Pant giving MI hard time every time he comes out bat #MIvDC #IPL2019

— Anish Telkikar (@telkikar_anish) March 24, 2019

If Rishabh Pant keeps playing like this, he will never be invited to dance in the wedding of the Ambanis ever.. #MIvDC

— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) March 24, 2019

What a innings from Rishabh Pant. I don't care what people say but I believe he should be on that plane to England for the World Cup.

— Ole's At The Wheel (@AmitMUFC) March 24, 2019

That was one of the most entertaining innings I've seen in a long long time!

That one handed 3rd tier six was mind blowing!

Rishabh Pant please keep on performing like this. India needs you. 😀👊#MIvDC #IPL2019

— Vaibhav Shah (@Aviation_Freak) March 24, 2019

Let us all pledge in the name of GOD :

I'll NEVER EVER compare Rishabh Pant with MS Dhoni. He has unique talent and I will always respect it. #MIvDC #PantPower #IPL2019

— Srijan (@its_Srijan) March 24, 2019

*MI opening match*

Last year's IPL: Last ball of first innings Hardik got injured.

This year's IPL: Last ball of first innings Bumrah got injured. #IPL

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) March 24, 2019

.@CAIngram41: And then arrived @RishabPant777….#MIvDC #ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 24, 2019

Rishabh Pant scored just one run off his first 5 balls, but thereafter?
41466464146.41126646L1
77 off 22
blasted 7 fours, 7 sixes
What an innings! #MIvDC #IPL2019

— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) March 24, 2019

Rishabh Pant hit a staggering 81 % of his runs through the leg side, 50% behind square on leg side. Best part was even if Mumbai tried to bowl outside off, he was able to pick them off to the leg side. Teams will need to come up with some kind of strategy against him. #MIvDC

— jigar mehta (@jigsactin) March 24, 2019

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