Chennai: Rishabh Pant has made a sensational return to Test cricket, celebrating his comeback with a brilliant century on the third day of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh. The star Indian wicketkeeper-batsman’s century, his sixth in Test cricket, also sees him equal MS Dhoni’s record for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper.
Pant, who last played a Test in December 2022 against Bangladesh, was sidelined for over a year and a half after a serious road accident in late 2022 left him badly injured. His highly anticipated return to international cricket has now been marked by a stellar performance, as he notched up 109 runs in the second innings of the Chepauk Test, much to the delight of fans and teammates alike.
The Chennai Comeback: A Tale of Two Centuries
In a match already showcasing local hero Ravichandran Ashwin’s brilliant century in the first innings, Pant made his presence felt on day three, adding another century to India’s scorecard in the second innings. Having resumed his innings on the morning of the third day at 12 not out, Pant took his time in the opening session before reaching his half-century. Once he hit fifty, the boundaries began to flow, and by lunch, Pant had powered his way to 82 runs, despite being given a reprieve when Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto dropped an easy catch when Pant was on 72.
Overcoming the Nervous Nineties
The second session saw a stadium full of anticipation, as fans eagerly awaited Pant’s century. Despite a history of being dismissed in the ‘nervous nineties’ seven times in his career, Pant was undeterred. He continued to play his natural aggressive game, crossing the 90-run mark with ease before completing his century with a couple of runs off Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan. Pant’s century came off 124 balls and featured 11 boundaries and 4 sixes.
A Record-Equalling Moment
Pant’s innings wasn’t just significant for his personal comeback. His sixth Test century puts him level with MS Dhoni for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. What makes the feat even more impressive is that while Dhoni achieved this in 90 Tests, Pant has equalled the record in just his 34th match. As Pant raised his bat to acknowledge the applause, both his teammates and the Chennai crowd rose to their feet in admiration.
A Dazzling Display Cut Short
Pant’s aggression remained unabated after reaching his century, hitting two more boundaries before attempting one shot too many. A sharp catch off his own bowling by Mehidy Hasan Miraz brought an end to Pant’s outstanding innings at 109 runs. He faced a total of 128 balls, hitting 13 boundaries and 4 sixes. This century marks Pant’s first against Bangladesh and only his second on home soil.
Pant’s innings also carried a sense of unfinished business, as in his last Test against Bangladesh in 2022, he fell just seven runs short of a century, dismissed for 93. With this knock, he fittingly completed what he missed out on over a year ago, making his return to the Indian side all the more special.
Rishabh Pant’s return to Test cricket has undoubtedly reaffirmed his status as one of India’s finest wicketkeeper-batsmen, and his innings against Bangladesh will go down as one of his most memorable performances to date.
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