India’s young wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant stated that he belongs to Test cricket following his return to the format. After recovering from a serious car accident, he played his first Test at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai against Bangladesh. The 26-year-old was impressive during the match, scoring a century, which marked his sixth in the longest format of the game.
Reflecting on his century, Pant described it as special and he was very emotional during that moment. He also stated that being on the field brings him more joy than anything else.
“100 was special because I love playing in Chennai. After injury, I wanted to play all three formats and this was my first Test. Hope to get better every day,” Pant said after India’s win.
“It was emotional, I wanted to score each and every match which didn’t happen but wanted to do well in Tests, which is where I belong the most. Being on the field gives me pleasure more than anything else,” he added.
India defeated Bangladesh by 280 runs in the opening Test, which is part of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Batting first, India scored 376 runs in the first innings, thanks to Ravichandran Ashwin’s hundred. Later Shubman Gill and Pant scored centuries as India declared at 287 runs after dismissing the tourists for 149. Ashwin then claimed a six-wicket haul, helping India bowl out Bangladesh by 234 runs.
In a performance that showcased his aggressive batting style, Pant scored 109 off 128 balls, featuring 13 boundaries and four maximums. He partnered with Gill, who made 119* off 176 balls, to add 167 runs for the fourth wicket. The duo helped India recover from 67/3 to declare at 287/4 in their second innings.
“I don’t know what people say outside but I try to read the situation in my own way. When you are 30-3, you need to stitch a partnership. That’s what Gill and I did. To do it with a guy who I have a great relationship with is special,” Pant said further.
