Virat Kohli’s bromance with Rishabh Pant floors internet on Day 3 of IND vs BAN 1st Test – WATCH

By News Update On Sep 22, 2024

India are in cruise control of the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The hosts need just six wickets to win the match with two days in hand.

Virat Kohli during India vs Bangladesh first Test in Chennai.

New Delhi: Virat Kohli’s bromance with Rishabh Pant was evident on the field on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh as the former India captain exchanged sunglasses with the wicketkeeper in Chennai, the video of which went viral on social media. The incident took place during the second innings of Bangladesh batting. While the bowler took his time, Kohli and Pant had a word among themselves. Kohli, who was standing at first slip, went towards Pant and gave his sunglasses. Pant also gave his to Kohli.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh were reeling on 158/4 in their mammoth chase of 515 when bad light stopped play on Saturday. India declared their second innings at 287/4 riding on twin hundreds from Pant (109) and Shubman Gill (119) with an overall lead of 514. In reply, Ravichandran Ashwin continued his dream form following up on first innings hundred with figures of 3/63 while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 51.

The Bond of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant pic.twitter.com/2LNjoZzX1N
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) September 21, 2024

Gill (119 not out, 176b, 10×4, 4×6) and Pant (109, 128b, 148m, 13×4, 4×6) led the hosts’ run glut with an alliance of 167 off 217 balls for the fourth wicket. However, numbers have no relevance on the day as hundreds by Pant and Gill were more a testimony of their will to rise above towering personal obstacles.

Pant’s turmoil has been widely-documented after that horrifying car crash in December 2022, and the way he reacted after reaching his sixth Test hundred with a two off Shakib Al-Hasan underscored the value he attached to the knock. He stood near the middle of the crease with closed eyes, upward tilted head and a raised bat – offering a silent prayer, perhaps, to the Lord above for returning cricket to him, life even, may be.

Gill watched the whole scene from a fair distance, as he did not want to invade into an intensely private moment of his partner. Soon, the two young men melted into a warm embrace as Chepauk erupted.