Team India’s prolific wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a thrilling comeback to Test cricket with a thrilling century against Bangladesh in the ongoing first Test at Chennai. He announced his arrival after recovering from a fatal car crash which left him in tatters for more than a year.
However, this did not stop a spirited Pant from gradually completing his rehabilitation and then getting on to the field by playing in limited overs format before donning the Test whites for India and starting with red-ball cricket. During his thrilling knock, he showcased his old self with some innovative stroke-making. This included shots like paddle ramping the pacer for a six to smacking the spinner with his trademark one-handed sixer.
Speaking of his scintillating knock, in the second innings, he played a good supporting role for Shubman Gill, who is also on the verge of completing a hundred after having failed in the first innings. During his 128-ball stay, Rishabh Pant smashed 13 fours and four sixes, respectively.
Interestingly, while he was batting on 72, Bangladesh’s skipper Najmul Hassan Shanto dropped a simple catch. As a result, Pant grabbed the chance with both hands and went on to make his day memorable with a thrilling hundred.
Also Check- Watch: ‘Arrey idhar ayega ek, bhai’ – Rishabh Pant hilariously helps Bangladesh set field
Meanwhile, here’s how the fans reacted to Pant’s century knock:
Rishabh Pant returns to Test cricket in style, smashing his sixth century after a 634-day break! 💥#RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/mQJWw3q79J
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) September 21, 2024
𝐆𝐎𝐃’𝐒 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 🥹
📸: Jio Cinema pic.twitter.com/s8VlNcFDki
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) September 21, 2024
Rishabh Pant reaches a magnificent hundred on Test comeback. Chennai crowd appreciates. @Cricketracker #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/xeTZw78oex
— चिरकुट ज़िंदगी (@Chirayu_Jain26) September 21, 2024
There’s simply no one else like him. Well played and welcome back @RishabhPant17, Test cricket missed you! #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/uDZDInr5cq
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 21, 2024
Well played @RishabhPant17 ❤️🕉️🙌 pic.twitter.com/BkBXBiSeOm
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 21, 2024
Was an enigma for me to begin with, but once clearly understood, have realised that Risabh Pant is a rare gem!
Hail the Indian grass root system that produced him👏👏#INDvBAN
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 21, 2024
The man who will make you fall in love with Test cricket again.
The man who will entertain and ensure that there’s never a dull moment when he’s batting.
Rishabh Pant is back. Back to where he belongs. Owning the 22 yards the way only he can. Well deserved 100. 👏👏 #IndvBan
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 21, 2024
We know stats don’t tell the full story. So…
Pant in his 33 Tests has 11 fifties & 5 hundreds. Average 43. But his 11 fifties include 6 nineties!
& one 89* which is an all time great innings! #IncrediblePant
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 21, 2024
TODAY RISHABH PANT BE LIKE #RishabhPant #pant #INDvBAN #indvsbangladesh #TestCricket #ShubmanGill #Trending pic.twitter.com/xcybpdcKrV
— 45+7+18=🐐🇮🇳 (@view6013355759) September 21, 2024
WELL PLAYED, PANT…!!!!
109 runs from just 128 balls including 13 fours & 4 sixes, A knock to remember forever, Welcome back, Pant. 👊#RishabhPant #indvsbangladesh #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/qjh2N2tLvM
— Rocky Yadav (@ImRockyYadav) September 21, 2024