IND vs BAN: Rishabh Pant Hits Century on Return To Test Cricket After 634 Days, Gully Cricket Antics Go Viral

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Rishabh Pant marked a remarkable return to Test cricket, reaching a century after a long wait of 634 days on Day 3 of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai.

Playing his first Test after a gap of 632 days, Pant's performance exceeded all expectations, providing much-needed stability for India alongside Shubman Gill.

The explosive left-handed batter - who played his last Test match against the same opponent back in 2022 before his near-fatal car accident - announced his return to the longest format in a grand fashion. The talented Delhi cricketer - who played a fine knock in the first innings before getting dismissed for 39 - made most of the occasion on day three of the opening match to notch up a ton.

Pant eventually was dismissed for 109 while trying to attack. His knock was studded with 13 boundaries and four sixes, one of which also featured his trademark one-handed shot and the other flicked over deep fine-leg against the pacer.

Rishabh Pant entertains Chepauk crowd

Pant, known for his flair and unorthodox cricketing style, entertained fans not just with his batting but also with a moment reminiscent of street cricket. A video capturing Pant's gully cricket-style antics went viral, further enhancing his reputation for bringing spontaneity and fun to the game.

The amusing incident took place during the 42nd over of India's second innings. Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled a leg-side delivery, and instead of playing a traditional shot, Pant used his left leg to pad the ball away, much like the improvisation seen in gully cricket. This quirky move brought a smile to everyone's faces and quickly spread across social media, further highlighting Pant's unique approach to the game.

Pant Slams brilliant ton on comeback

Rishabh Pant, returning to Test cricket after a long gap, scored 39 runs in the first innings. However, he displayed his true self, coming to the party in the second innings, where he slammed a magnificent hundred, stamping his authority. He got to the milestone in the 55th over, taking a double off the fourth delivery.

Moreover, he has now equalled former Indian skipper MS Dhoni's record for most Test centuries by a wicket-keeper batter for India. Both Pant and Dhoni are not tied with 6 Test hundreds. Dhoni took 144 innings while Pant achieved the feat in just 58 innings.

India Dominates Bangladesh on Day 3

India, having posted a solid 376 in their first innings, opted not to enforce the follow-on after bundling Bangladesh out for just 149. Resuming their second innings at 81 for 3, India continued to build on their commanding lead. By Lunch on Day 3, the partnership between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant had blossomed.

Pant's return to the Test arena, capped by his terrific century and playful moment, adds another layer of excitement to an already dominant Indian performance. As the game progresses, the team looks set to press home their advantage, with Pant's contributions proving invaluable in India's push for victory.