New Delhi: Rishabh Pant, India’s star wicketkeeper-batsman, said that he was nervous during his comeback Test debut in Chennai against Bangladesh on Sunday. On the other hand, Pant insisted that the fire within him enabled him to produce a record-equalling sixth Test century.
Pant’s comeback to Test cricket has been nothing short of amazing since a life-threatening automobile accident in December 2022. He made his highly anticipated comeback in Chennai. His 109-run innings in the second innings was full of attacking strokes and well-timed defence, which caught the Bangladesh bowlers by surprise.
Pant admitted he felt the nerves upon his return. “I think I was very nervous. I was very jittery, but you know there was some fire inside that I wanted to make it happen, and eventually, I did it, and I’m happy,” Pant said in a video posted by BCCI on X.
Pant’s 39-run effort in the first innings fell short of expectations, but he more than made up for it in the second, forming a crucial 167-run partnership with opener Shubman Gill.
Pant praised his collaboration with Gill, citing their off-field connection as the reason for their success in the middle, “When you have a great relationship outside the field, it really helps to bat with that guy. We were just having fun, having chats, talking about the game, and staying relaxed. At the end of the day, we both knew what we wanted to do.”
“I think the understanding of the game for me is that cricket should improve wherever you play. So I was just trying to help the team that you can set a fielder here, and it was amazing. Actually, I enjoyed it,” Pant said with a smile.
Pant’s explosive performance and Gill’s composed knock laid the foundation for India’s massive 280-run victory, putting them 1-0 up in the two-match Test series.
Pant not only made headlines for his outstanding 109-run knock but also for a light-hearted moment caught on the stump mic that left fans and commentators in splits.
On Day 3 of the Test, as Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto adjusted his field placements during India’s second innings, Pant was heard instructing the opposition where to place their fielders. “O bhai, ek idhar aayega (Brother, one fielder should come here). One on midwicket,” Pant said during the second innings.
With momentum firmly in their favour, India will look to seal the series in the second and final Test in Kanpur, which begins on Friday.
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–IANS
Photo: IANS/R. Parthibhan
