Rishabh Pant announced his Test comeback with a blistering hundred in the second innings against Bangladesh in Chennai. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 109 off 128 deliveries and forged a 167-run partnership with Shubman Gill, helping India challenge the visitors with a mammoth 515-run target.
Pant was at his fluent best while facing the Bangladesh attack on the third day of the first Test. Resuming innings at 34 off 67, the left-hander reached 82 off 108 by the end of the first session. Pant shifted gears after the lunch break, scoring 18 runs in 16 balls to notch his 6th Test hundred. He smashed a couple of boundaries more before falling prey to Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the 56th over.
The 25-year-old showcased a great example of maturity as he started cautiously on the second day and once he was settled, he went all guns blazing the next day.
Speaking with broadcasters after India’s victory, Pant admitted to playing a defensive game at the beginning of his innings as he didn’t want to throw away his wicket. When asked about the T20 mode he got into after the lunch break on day 3, the keeper-batter revealed what he was told by his captain.
“When we came for lunch, there was a discussion going on about the innings declaration. Rohit bhai told, ‘1 ghanta aur khelne ko dekhenge, jisko jitna run banana hai bana lo (We will bat for 1 more hour, whoever wants to score, can do so)’. So, I returned with the mindset to score runs quickly. Kya pata 150 ban jaye (Who knows if I could score a 150?),” Pant said.
Appreciation from the captain
India skipper Rohit Sharma heaped praise on Pant for his commendable knock that put India in a commanding position. Speaking in the post-match presentation, Rohit said the team management always had faith in Pant and wanted to give him game time to settle himself down after a 2-year hiatus.
“He’s been through some really tough times. The way he has managed himself through those tough times was superb to watch. He came back in the IPL, followed by a very successful World Cup and this is the format he loves the most,” Rohit said.
“For us, it was never about what is he going to do with the bat, we always knew what he had with the bat and with the gloves as well. It was just about giving him the game time. Credit to him as well, he went on to play Duleep Trophy and got ready for this Test match and had an impact straightaway in the game,” he added.
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