IND vs BAN, 1st Test: Test cricket is where I belong the most, asserts Rishabh Pant after comeback century

Chennai: The swashbuckling Rishabh Pant on Sunday asserted that Test cricket is where ‘I belong essentially the most’ after marking his return to his favourite format with a sensational hundred against Bangladesh. Pant hit his sixth Test century, his first since returning to competitive cricket after getting better from injuries he suffered in a horrific car accident in December 2022, on the 0.33 day of the hole Test against Bangladesh.

Caused by hundreds by Pant and Shubman Gill, India set Bangladesh an improbable target of 515, alternatively the visitors fell way wanting the mark after being bowled out for 234 in their 2d innings at Chepauk. “a hundred became special because I actually like playing in Chennai. After injury, I wished to play all three formats and this became my first Test. Hope to get better day-to-day,” Pant said after India’s 280-run win.

“It became emotional, I wished to achieve each and every match which didn’t happen but wanted to do well in Tests, which is where I belong essentially the most. Being on the sector gives me pleasure more than anything else. I'm always nervous earlier than matches, even after hitting a hundred. And this time I used to be playing after two years, so nervousness there,” he added.

Playing within the style that defines his batting, Pant struck a fluent 109 off 128 balls, lacing his innings with thirteen fours and 4 sixes. The keeper-batter added 167 runs for the fourth wicket with Gill (119 off 176 balls) and helped lift India from sixty seven/three to 287/four declared in their 2d essay.

“I don’t know what people say outside but I try and read the situation in my very own way. If you are 30-three, it truly is crucial to stitch a partnership. That’s what Gill and I did. To do it with a man who I've a fairly good relationship with is special,” Pant said.
At one point, Pant also helped Bangladesh to set field. The stump mic caught him instructing, “One fielder here,” while gesturing toward mid-wicket, prompting Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto to send a player to that position.

“Level of cricket should always be better, as Ajai ji says, so I told them to set a fielder. Two were standing in same position,” Pant said. On day three, after a rather sedate first session, Pant accelerated the run scoring post lunch. “After lunch, there became discussion about declaration. Rohit bhai said you guys have one hour to do whatever you score run. So I thought let’s try and make one hundred fifty.” He also hit his trademark one-handed six. “I try that flow doesn't change. I try body weight gets transferred to shot, so I leave that one hand,” Pant added.

After Pant and Gill’s exploits with the bat, senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin completed a memorable all-round day out with a six-wicket haul as a dominant India crushed the visitors with more than 5 sessions to spare. First-inning centurion Ashwin (6/88) did the bulk of the damage, while Ravindra Jadeja picked up three/fifty eight. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored for Bangladesh with an eighty two off 127 balls.