WATCH : Rishabh Pant’s blitzkrieg against Gujarat Lions

Walking out at No 3 after the dismissal of Karun Nair, Pant soon shifted to overdrive, opening up with a six over covers. Lions skipper Suresh Raina introduced Pant's statemate Pradeep Sangwan, but with little impact as Pant took 16 off just three deliveries. There was little that Raina could do, considering that Pant was pretty much unstoppable. He hit nine sixes and six fours in his 43-ball stay.

Three short of what would have been his maiden IPL hundred, Pant attempted to slog pacer Basil Thampi that resulted in a thick outside edge to the wicketkeeper.

"I was just thinking about chasing down the total as quickly as I can," Pant told a post-match news conference. "If I would have got three runs, I would have finished the match. If I would have finished the match, I would have got three runs."

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Pant's refreshing approach impressed Daredevils mentor Rahul Dravid.

"What was impressive for me was Rishabh - batting on 97 and not thinking about his 100 at that stage and still going for his shots," Dravid said. "[He was] not worrying about the 100 and looking to get the team home. Incredible innings from the two boys and truly well-deserved."