'Well played, Aiden brother' - Rishabh Pant pens special tribute for LSG teammate after WTC final. (Photo source: X/Proteas Men)
was one of the first persons from the cricket fraternity to congratulate Nicholas Pooran on social media after the latter announced his retirement from international cricket. On Saturday, June 14, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter posted another heartwarming message on the internet to congratulate Aiden Markram after the right-handed batter scored a magnificent century to help South Africa beat Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) final on Saturday, June 14.
Pant, who is the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain, has formed a great bond with teammates Pooran and Markram during his stint with the franchise in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. While LSG failed to reach the playoffs, Pooran and Markram gave a good account of themselves by scoring 524 and 445 runs, respectively.
After South Africa ended their 27-year wait for an ICC title, Pant took to his official 'X' handle to congratulate the Rainbow Nation and also heaped praise on Markram, who he referred to as his "brother".
"Well played, Aiden brother . I am so happy for you - what a great knock under pressure. You have made us all proud and congratulations to South Africa on lifting the WTC mace," Pant wrote.
The Delhi cricketer is currently in Kent, playing in India's intra-squad warm-up game, as the Asian giants look to prepare for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting on Friday, June 20, at Headingley, Leeds.
Meanwhile, South Africa will return to action on June 28 as they travel to Zimbabwe to face Craig Ervine's men in a two-match Test series at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
