IND vs BAN: Shubman Gill Slams Second Straight Test Century After Dismissal For Duck In 1st Innings

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IND vs BAN: India have seized control in the 1st Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, largely thanks to a resilient century from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant in the second innings on Saturday (September 21).

Shubman Gill - who walked into the middle early at number three after skipper Rohit Sharma was dismissed cheaply - made up for his first-innings disappointment when he was dismissed for a duck.

In the second innings, Gill looked confident and patient, determined to contribute significantly to India's growing dominance. He headed into the lunch break on Day 3 unbeaten on 86, hinting at an impending milestone.

Resuming in the afternoon session, it didn't take long for Gill to reach his hundred. On the fourth ball of the 60th over, he tucked a single to bring up his fifth Test century.

The celebration that followed saw him bow in appreciation, acknowledging the support from his teammates and the crowd. This century was the result of 161 deliveries, with Gill striking 9 boundaries and sending the ball over the ropes 3 times.

As India eventually declared their innings at 287/4. Gill remained unbeaten on 119 off 176 deliveries, striking ten boundaries and four sixes as the hosts set Bangladesh a target of 515 runs.

The First to Score a 2nd Innings Ton After a Duck

This hundred carries unique significance as Gill became the first player to score a century in the second innings against Bangladesh after having been dismissed for zero in the first.

His ability to switch gears and accelerate towards the later part of his innings signalled that India might declare sooner rather than later, as they looked to put Bangladesh under further pressure.

His knock not only solidified India's position but also reaffirmed his status as a key figure in India's Test squad, especially when batting in the second innings on home soil.

India's brilliant fightback

After India found themselves in a tricky position at 144/6 in their first innings, a remarkable partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja helped the hosts recover. Ashwin's composed century and Jadeja's gritty 86 propelled India to a solid total of 376. What looked like a potential collapse became a strong position, as India tightened their grip on the match.

In response, Bangladesh's batting faltered under the pressure of India's bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah's lethal spell saw him claim four wickets, while Bangladesh managed just 149, giving India a significant first-innings lead of 227 runs.

Rather than enforcing the follow-on, India chose to bat again, looking to extend their lead further. With Pant and Gill then slamming centuries, Bangladesh now face the daunting task of chasing 515 runs for victory.