GT vs DC 2024: Pant Makes History, First-Ever IPL POTM for Wicketkeeping and Captaincy!

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicket-keeper batter and captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC), rewrote the history books in the IPL on Wednesday night! In a groundbreaking move, Pant was awarded the prestigious Player of the Match (POTM) award not for his usual batting heroics, but for his combined excellence in both wicketkeeping and captaincy. This unique accolade marks a first-ever in the history of the Indian Premier League, and arguably, in all of cricket.

Traditionally, Player of the Match awards have recognized outstanding batting or bowling performances. However, a POTM awarded specifically for wicketkeeping is an unprecedented event. Pant’s all-around brilliance on Wednesday demanded a unique recognition, and the IPL obliged, setting a potential precedent for future acknowledgments of wicket-keeper contributions. He stumped Gujarat batsman Abhinav Manohar for 8 runs off 14 balls, who was trying to hit a big shot.

Here is a video:

Rishabh Pant masterclass 👌 #RishabhPant

pic.twitter.com/8uA4F3j0T0

— Cricklover (@kumarmanoj_11) April 18, 2024

Pant’s impact on the match was undeniable. As captain, he orchestrated his team’s bowling attack, leading them to a dominant bowling performance that restricted the Gujarat Titans to a meager 89 runs. Behind the stumps, he was a wall, taking two crucial catches and executing two lightning-fast stumpings (including the dismissal of Abhinav Manohar by Tristan Stubbs).

Chasing a modest target, Pant showcased his characteristic attacking style with a quickfire 16 runs off only 11 deliveries. This knock secured a comfortable 6-wicket victory for DC in a record-breaking time of just 8.5 overs – the biggest IPL win ever in terms of balls remaining.

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