Rishabh Pant, making his much-awaited return to Test cricket after almost two years, brought a dose of humor to the India-Bangladesh series opener in Chennai. During the third day of the match, while the Bangladesh team was batting, Pant was heard on the stump microphone giving some friendly advice on field placements.
“O bhai, idhar aayega yeh fielder (please bring the fielder here),” Pant could be heard saying, much to the amusement of the commentary team and the watching audience. His cheeky suggestion was a testament to his good sportsmanship and light-hearted approach to the game.
After India’s emphatic 280-run victory, Pant spoke about the moment in a video shared by the BCCI on X (formerly Twitter). “I think the understanding of the game for me is that cricket should improve wherever you play. So I was just trying to help the team that you can set a fielder here, and it was amazing. Actually, I enjoyed it,” Pant said.
Pant’s return to Test cricket was a significant one, considering his serious car accident in December 2022. In the second innings, he showcased his trademark aggressive batting style, smashing a crucial 109 runs. However, he also displayed remarkable control, demonstrating a balanced approach to his innings.
Speaking about his comeback, Pant admitted to some pre-match jitters. “I was jittery, but there was a fire inside me to make it happen. And eventually, I did it. I’m happy, but not thinking about it too much,” he shared.
Pant’s century was built on a strong partnership with his opening partner, Shubman Gill, who also played a crucial role in putting pressure on the Bangladesh bowlers. The duo shared a 167-run partnership, laying the foundation for India’s dominant performance. Pant highlighted the importance of their off-field camaraderie in their success on the field.
“When you have a great relationship off the field, it helps on the field. We were having fun, talking about the game, and staying relaxed while focusing on stitching a great partnership,” he said.
India now holds a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The teams will now head to Kanpur for the second and final Test, which begins on Friday. The focus will be on India to secure a series victory, while Bangladesh will be aiming to bounce back and level the score.
