Mayank Agarwal ends the crazy “conspiracy theories” around the viral 2019 World Cup image with Pant and Dhoni

Rishabh Pant’s shoulders were touched by a hand, but whose was it? The wait is over thanks to Mayank Agarwal.

When India was in England for the World Cup in 2019, a photo of MS Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Agarwal, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya became viral on the internet. Isn’t it usual for players to take images and publish them on Instagram?

However, this photograph was not without mystery, which took up to four years to unravel. The photo, which Hardik posted on social media with the phrase ‘Boys’ day out,’ captured all five cricketers in a happy mood, but what viewers couldn’t help but notice was someone’s hand around Pant’s shoulders.

The picture, which was taken on July 4, two days before India’s victory over Bangladesh in Birmingham and a few days after their victory over Sri Lanka in Leeds, quickly went viral as fans on the internet scratched their heads trying to figure out ‘Whose hand is it on Pant’s shoulders?’ Dhoni’s hands were clearly visible, while Bumrah’s left hand rested on MSD’s shoulders. So, who was it on Pant’s?

Agarwal himself solved the puzzle, taking to X (previously Twitter) to end the suspense. “Finally, after years of extensive research, debate, and countless conspiracy theories, let the nation know: It is MY hand on @RishabhPant17’s shoulder.” PS: Any and all other statements are false and misleading,” the India batter added.

Pant was a late replacement for an injured Shikhar Dhawan in India’s World Cup lineup. Pant’s absence from the 15-man squad was met with widespread criticism, but after Dhawan fractured his wrist during the game against Australia, the path was opened for Pant. He joined the team and scored 32 against England in his debut match, then 48 against Bangladesh, 4 against Sri Lanka, and 32 against New Zealand in the semifinal.