Rishabh Pant marked his impressive return to Test cricket after 637 days with a brilliant century, his sixth in the format, during the first Test against Bangladesh. Coming in at a critical moment in India’s second innings after the dismissal of Virat Kohli for 17, Pant steadied the ship alongside Shubman Gill as India sought to build on their 227-run first-innings lead.
Despite an early minor collapse with captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal both failing to convert their starts, Pant showed remarkable composure through the tense final overs of Day 2.
As Day 3 commenced, Pant displayed unexpected restraint, focusing on consolidating India’s position rather than playing his usual aggressive game. He built his half-century off 88 balls, slower than his typical pace but indicative of the maturity he brought to this crucial innings.
With rain threats looming over Days 4 and 5, Pant and Gill ramped up the scoring after both reached their fifties, taking advantage of Bangladesh’s faltering morale. As batting conditions improved, Pant effortlessly transitioned from a defensive approach to a more aggressive one, piling on the pressure against the beleaguered visitors.
By the lunch break, India had surged to a commanding 432-run lead with seven wickets in hand, putting Bangladesh under significant strain. Pant reached his century in just 124 deliveries, celebrating a triumphant return to Test cricket.
With this century, Pant has now equaled former captain MS Dhoni’s record for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper in Test history. While Dhoni achieved this feat in 90 Tests, Pant reached the milestone in only 34 matches.
Pant was eventually dismissed for 109 while attempting to clear Mehidy Hasan’s delivery, but not before leaving a significant mark on the match.
