Rishabh Pant’s childhood coach Devender Shama was pleased with Rishabh Pant’s hundred in comeback Test in Chennai. He said that Pant’s 109 runs in the second innings against Bangladesh is as special as his 89 not out in the Gabba victory over Australia in 2021.
Rishabh Pant hit his sixth Test century, his first since returning to cricket after recovering from injuries he suffered in a fatal car accident in December 2022. He played for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League 2024 and also represented India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 but there were question mark about his ability to play red-ball cricket. However, he did well in the Duleep Trophy 2024, making it difficult for the selectors to ignore him for the five-day format.
Pant scored a crucial 39 in the first innings of the opening game against Bangladesh. The wicketkeeper-batter hit 13 boundaries and four sixes in the second chance as the hosts set a 515-run target.
“I am very happy for Rishabh. He could have scored a hundred in the first innings. He was flawless in the second essay and this hundred is important for him as it was his first international century since comeback,” Devender told PTI.
“His knock against Australia at the Gabba will forever be important for the fans but his most recent innings is also invaluable.
“Every player needs confidence. No matter what you achieve in white-ball cricket, you will always be remembered for your display in Test cricket. After his accident and what he went through during his rehabilitation, this hundred against Bangladesh is as important as Gabba knock,” he added.
Pant looked comfortable at the crease and also equalled former India captain MS Dhoni’s record for most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper in the longest format.
Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill were centurions for the Rohit Sharma-led team as India dominated the game. India were 144 for 6 in the first innings and a hundred from R Ashwin and 86 from Ravindra Jadeja took the total to 376. In reply, Bangladesh were bowled out for 149 in their first innings.
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