Ahead of the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test, Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant had an adorable interaction with a young fan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that went viral on social media.

The video captures the young fan beaming with joy as she tells Pant, “It’s good to see you. You’re the first cricketer I’ve ever met, and that too up close.” Pant responded warmly, saying, “Nice to see you and lovely meeting you. I hope you have more fun in your life and always be happy.”

Pant, known for his charismatic personality and strong fan following among children, has once again won hearts with this touching gesture. Such interactions highlight the unique bond between cricketers and their fans, making the sport even more special.

India’s Focus on Boxing Day Test

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy stands level at 1-1, the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, beginning on December 26 promises high-intensity action. India is in a tight race to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final, needing two wins to qualify. Meanwhile, Australia requires two wins to confirm their place for the second consecutive time.

India’s performance has been inconsistent, with the top order struggling apart from KL Rahul, who scored a composed 84 in the third Test’s first innings. Jasprit Bumrah continues to lead the bowling attack, but support from other bowlers remains a concern. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are yet to find consistent form although Kohli did score a century in the series opener.

India’s last Boxing Day Test at the MCG in 2021 ended in a dominant victory, thanks to Ajinkya Rahane’s remarkable century. Fans will be hoping for a similar performance as the team aims to gain the upper hand in the series.