"Zarurat padegi to ghar se bulayange" - Former India batter reveals Rishabh Pant's savage reply to Ranji Trophy snub
Ajay Jadeja recalls Rishabh Pant’s bold reply after Ranji snub. From being overlooked to scoring twin centuries at Headingley in 2025, Pant's journey is a story of belief and brilliance.
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Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja recently spoke about his very first encounter with star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, presenting a glimpse of the southpaw's aggressive attitude even before he became famous for it.
Speaking on Sony Sports Network (via Times Now), Jadeja recounted an incident from his brief stint as Delhi’s Ranji Trophy coach. At the time, there was a disagreement within the setup, as the team captain wasn’t in favour of including Pant in the squad, while the selectors were pushing for the youngster's inclusion.
Ignoring the criticism, Jadeja invited Pant for a practice session. But the reply he received from the then-teenager was tongue-in-cheek. "Bhaiya, rehne do na, jab zarurat padegi to ghar se bulayenge," Pant had retorted, which meant, "Brother, let it be. When they need me, they'll call me from home."
Jadeja's stint with Delhi team wasn't very long, as he subsequently resigned after falling out with Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). Pant, though, would go on to make his First-Class debut in the 2015-16 Ranji season, scoring 28 and 57 on his debut against Bengal.
From Ranji snub to Test star, Rishabh Pant shines with twin centuries at Headingley
Skip forward to 2025, and Rishabh Pant has made himself one of India's most powerful Test cricketers. Named vice-captain of the current five-match series against England, Pant produced a breathtaking performance for India in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds.
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The 26-year-old was the first Indian wicketkeeper to make twin hundreds in a Test, smashing 134 in the first innings and adding 118 in the second. He joined Zimbabwe great Andy Flower (144 & 199*) as just the second wicketkeeper in Test history to do so.
As luck would have it for India, Pant's brilliance proved to be in vain as England achieved a record run chase. Chasing a staggering 371, the hosts registered a dramatic five-wicket victory, the tenth-highest fourth-innings chase in the history of Test cricket.
With the series now at 1-0 in England's favor, the action shifts to Birmingham for the second Test. India will be looking to make a comeback when they play the hosts at Edgbaston from July 2 to 6. From a snubbed teenager to writing history in Test whites, Pant's journey is also a reminder that belief, talent, and a little swagger go a long way in the game.
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