Rishabh Pant : In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Rishabh Pant marked his return to Test cricket with a stunning century during India’s first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. The young wicketkeeper batter, playing his first Test after more than 600 days away due to a near fatal car accident, notched up his sixth Test hundred, equalling the record for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper in Test cricket.
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Pant’s journey back to the cricket field has been nothing short of inspiring. After a serious car accident in December 2022 sidelined him for over a year, many wondered how the dynamic left hander would fare on his return to the international arena. His comeback match could not have been more fitting, as he faced Bangladesh, the same team he last played in a Test match before the accident. Pant’s hundred on Day 3 in Chennai was more than just a personal milestone; it was a testament to his resilience, mental fortitude, and undying passion for the game.
A Knock to Remember: Building the Innings
Walking into bat at a precarious moment in India’s second innings, after Virat Kohli’s dismissal for 17, Pant had a mountain to climb. With India already holding a 227-run lead but struggling with a minor top order collapse, the situation called for a steady yet aggressive hand. True to form, Pant blended caution with his natural attacking instincts. Alongside opener Shubman Gill, Pant stabilized India’s innings, guiding the team to a commanding lead.
His first 50 runs came off 88 balls, a slower-than-usual pace for the explosive batter, reflecting a more mature and measured approach. Pant knew that India needed to bat Bangladesh out of the game, and he was willing to grind through the tough early stages. However, as the pitch eased and the Bangladeshi attack began to tire, Pant shifted gears effortlessly. The last half of his century came quickly, studded with boundaries, including 13 fours and four towering sixes.
Reaching Milestones
Pant’s century, coming off 124 deliveries, was not just a personal victory. It placed him alongside the legendary MS Dhoni for the most centuries (six) by an Indian wicketkeeper in Test cricket, a record Dhoni achieved in 90 matches, whereas Pant has done it in just 34. This milestone further cements Pant’s status as a game changing player in India’s cricketing history.
Pant’s ability to take on both spinners and pacers with equal fearlessness was on full display, as he launched into Bangladesh’s attack. His 109 run knock was eventually cut short when he mistimed an attempt to loft Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who caught the ball off his own bowling. Nonetheless, by the time he departed, India had established an insurmountable lead.
India Dominates in Chennai
Pant’s brilliant innings, combined with Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 119, set Bangladesh a massive target of 515 to chase. The platform for this commanding position was laid in the first innings, with Ravichandran Ashwin’s century and Ravindra Jadeja’s 86 rescuing India from early trouble. Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery bowling performance (4 wickets) ensured Bangladesh were bundled out for just 149, giving India a substantial lead.
By the time Pant and Gill took charge in the second innings, the momentum was entirely in India’s favor. With rain predicted for the last two days, India’s dominance with the bat has left Bangladesh with a near impossible task.
Social media erupted with praise for Pant’s fighting hundred, with many calling it one of the greatest comeback innings in recent Test history. Fans celebrated his return, lauding his ability to bounce back from such adversity and perform on the world stage. Pant, who had already shown his prowess in limited overs cricket by helping India win the T20 World Cup earlier this year, has now firmly re established his place in the Test side.
Rishabh Pant’s century in Chennai goes beyond the numbers. It’s a story of comeback, resilience, and sheer determination. In a match where he wasn’t just playing for his team but also for his personal redemption, Pant delivered one of the most memorable innings of his career. As India dominates the Test, with over two days to go and Bangladesh on the back foot, Pant’s return has already proven to be a game changer – not just for India, but for world cricket as well.
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FAQs
How long was Rishabh Pant out of Test cricket?
Pant was out of Test cricket for over 600 days due to injuries from a car accident in December 2022
