In a light-hearted yet sincere moment, Ravichandran Ashwin has requested Rishabh Pant to stop performing his trademark front flip celebration, especially in Test matches, emphasizing that Rishabh Pant has nothing left to prove and is already established as a top batter in the Indian lineup. Rishabh Pant’s somersault celebration after reaching milestones has captivated fans, but Ravichandran Ashwin feels preserving his body should take priority during the grueling demands of Test cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Candid Request to Rishabh Pant
Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, made a clear appeal to Rishabh Pant to avoid his acrobatic flips on the cricket field, particularly in Test matches where the physical toll on players is significant. “I’ve only one request, please don’t do that front flip. In Tests, your body gets tired unlike in IPL where you will not play more than 50-60 balls. He is a bona fide top batter in the Indian lineup. So he has nothing to prove,” Ravichandran Ashwin stated.
Rishabh Pant, who recently scored centuries in both innings of the Leeds Test against England, became only the second wicketkeeper in history to achieve this feat after Andy Flower. During the first innings at Headingley, Rishabh Pant reached his century with flair, launching a six while on 99 and celebrating with a helmet-off, gloves-dropped front flip, delighting the Leeds crowd. Despite Sunil Gavaskar’s request from the commentary box, Rishabh Pant refrained from repeating the flip after his second century, opting for a more subdued celebration.
Rishabh Pant’s Gymnastics Background and His Perspective
Speaking to Cheteshwar Pujara during the first Test, Rishabh Pant shared the story behind his unique celebration, revealing that his affinity for flips stems from his school days when he trained in gymnastics. “I had three celebrations in mind. One of them was ‘let the bat do the talking’. Then I thought, I’ll stick with mine. I’ve been doing it since childhood (the somersault). I trained in gymnastics during school,” Rishabh Pant shared during a conversation on Sony Sports.
Rishabh Pant added, “In school, I did gymnastics. I’m very used to it. Even if you wake me up in the middle of the night, I can do a somersault. After the accident, I had to work even harder at it. But I put in the work, and now it’s easy for me again.”
Rishabh Pant’s celebration has also featured in the IPL, where he executed the front flip after a century for Lucknow Super Giants during the 2025 season, showcasing his playful spirit on the field. However, Ravichandran Ashwin’s advice underscores the demands of Test cricket and the need for Rishabh Pant to prioritize longevity over celebration theatrics.
Rishabh Pant’s journey back from injury has been marked by hard work and determination, with his gymnastics-inspired celebrations reflecting his personality and passion for the sport. Yet, Ravichandran Ashwin’s fatherly advice comes as a gentle reminder to the young star that his performances and commitment have already earned him his place in the team and the hearts of fans, making grand gestures unnecessary in the longer format.
