WATCH : Suresh Raina wins hearts for comforting young Rishabh Pant

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk,SportsCafe Editor

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It's a good sign when senior pros are forthcoming in acknowledging the peformances of youngsters, even if they are from the opposition. Suresh Raina won hearts on Thursday as he comforted Rishabh Pant after the latter missed out on a hundred although he'd shattered Gujarat Lions playoff chances.

Pant and Sanju Samson helped chase down Lions' tall target to keep alive Delhi Daredevils hopes of a spot in the playoffs. The 19-year-old Pant lashed 97 at a strike rate of 225.58, smashing nine sixes and six fours. However, 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.

Pant was clearly dejected and looked up into the sky in disappointment. However, Raina, who scored 78 earlier, walked up to the youngster and consoled him.

"I think it is a Rishabh Pant day. He batted really well along with Sanju Samson. We tried everything - the slower ball, yorker - but couldn't stop the runs," Raina told a post-match news conference. "The ball started reversing later, but by then the game was over. 206 (208) was still defendable but we didn't bowl well. We missed the experience of Tye and Bravo.

"Rishabh and Sanju are the future of the Indian team. I have been hitting the ball really well, maybe I would say 20 runs short, but credit to Sanju and Rishabh."

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