Rishabh Pant’s Century

India moved closer to a commanding win over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai, thanks to a century from Rishabh Pant on his return to Test cricket. 

Pant, playing his first Test match since a car accident in December 2022, scored an impressive 109 off 128 balls as India declared their second innings at 287-4, setting Bangladesh a daunting target of 515 for victory. Ravichandran Ashwin, who had earlier hit a crucial century, contributed with three wickets, leaving Bangladesh at 158-4 by the end of day three.

Resuming the day on 12 not out, Pant partnered with Shubman Gill, who also reached his century with an unbeaten 119. Together, they built a 167-run stand. Pant, dropped on 72 by Najmul Hossain Shanto, went on to strike 13 boundaries and four sixes, showcasing his power, particularly against Bangladesh’s spinners, as he smashed three of his sixes straight down the ground.

Pant’s return to cricket had been remarkable, having undergone reconstructive knee surgery after his crash. The incident, caused by Pant dozing off behind the wheel, led to his car flipping twice and catching fire, resulting in injuries to his knee, back, and head. Despite these challenges, Pant had already made a successful comeback in the IPL and was part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad earlier this year.

Upon reaching his century, the 26-year-old calmly removed his helmet and looked to the skies, marking a moment of personal triumph.

With Bangladesh still needing 357 runs for an unlikely victory, India looks set to wrap up the match in the coming days.