Pant's moment of defiance came on Day 2 of the second Test in Colombo.
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant battled through his wrist injury and Sri Lanka's relentless short-ball ploy to produce a moment of defiance on Day 2 of the second Test in Colombo.
During the third session on Day 1, Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara struck Pant on his left arm with a sharp, rising delivery. Visibly in pain and unable to continue, the southpaw was forced to retire hurt after scoring just 3 runs off 15 balls.
Defying the injury, Pant walked back out to bat on the morning of Day 2 following the dismissal of debutant Saransh Jain. Sri Lankan quicks immediately tested his resolve and physical fitness, unleashing a relentless barrage of short-pitched bowling.
On the fifth ball of the 90th over, Kumara dug another bouncer in fast. Instead of backing away or ducking, Pant instinctively got inside the line of the ball and executed a powerful hook shot over the fine-leg boundary.
The ball soared an estimated 95 metres, crashing directly into the solar panels installed on the stadium roof. The impact completely shattered one of the glass solar panels, forcing broadcasters to repeatedly replay the damage and leaving the commentators—including Russell Arnold—joking about local air conditioners shutting down.
Since the ball flew completely off the roof and was lost, the fourth umpire had to bring out a replacement ball to resume play.
This unforgettable moment came right on the heels of the first Test in Galle, where Pant made history by becoming the fastest player in Test history to hit 100 sixes.