New Delhi, Jul 2 (IANS): Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals on Friday went all out praising their captain fantastic Rishabh Pant, calling him "Pantastic", "Spider-man" and "one of modern cricket's true Gladiators", as the 24-year-old smashed England bowlers all around the ground on the opening day of the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston.
Pant produced a phenomenal innings of 146 runs off just 111 balls rescuing India from a precarious position on the opening day in Edgbaston. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (83 not out) started with India struggling at 98/5, eventually helping the team past the 300-run mark with a magnificent 222-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Pant, who has now led Delhi Capitals for two successive seasons, was given a big thumbs up by the franchise, who saluted the smashing innings from the wicketkeeper-batter.
"Rishabh Rajendra Pant, wicket-keeper of the Indian Cricket Team. One of modern cricket's true Gladiators. And he will entertain you, in this Test and the next #ENGvIND," tweeted DC along with an image of Pant attired as a gladiator in the Colosseum.
In another tweet DC said, "Spider-man was spotted in Edgbaston yesterday, and he brought all his tricks. India's Test Vice-Captain rose to the occasion and how."
DC then posted a video of Pant smashing England spinner Jack Leach for a maximum during his innings and wrote, "When #RP17 met Leach. A mammoth 22-run over that included a trademark one-handed SIX from Pantastic."
And just when Pant reached his fifth Test century, DC tweeted, "Just pure entertainment. Take a bow Rishabh. #ENGvIND."
Delhi Capitals were not the only IPL franchise to laud Pant's innings and his 222-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.
Rajasthan Royals wrote a big thank you, while Mumbai Indians enlisted his achievements so far. "2000 Test runs - Fastest India wicketkeeper. 100 International sixes. 5th Test century. The man of the moment, the riveting Rishabh Pant. #OneFamily #ENGvIND @RishabhPant17 @BCCI," tweeted MI.