Rishabh Pant made a stunning comeback to Test cricket and slammed a century in his first match post the fatal car accident, which took place on New Year's eve in 2022. Pant had earlier chipped in with a crucial 39 in the first innings of the ongoing Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. The wicketkeeper-batter had then thrown away his wicket due to loose footwork, however, he made quick amendments and rocked the Bangladesh bowling line-up with powerful shots in the second innings.
Pant was eventually dismissed for 109(128) after getting caught and bowled against Mehidy Hasan Miraz. However, the wicket didn't hurt India much as the damage was already done. Together with Shubman Gill, the pair added 167 runs for the fourth wicket, playing a key role in pushing India's lead beyond the 500-run mark.
If Pant's batting was entertaining, his antics on the field generated more buzz. The wicketkeeper, who is known to fans for his constant chirps and banters, broke the internet with yet another hilarious act. He was seen setting the Bangladesh field during the course of his innings, directing the Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto to bring a fielder on the on-side, which the latter obliged.
“Arey idhar aayega ek. Idhar kam fielder hai (Hey, put a fielder here. There aren't many fielders here),” Pant was heard telling to Shanto.
The video reminded many of MS Dhoni, who during the 2019 World Cup had resorted to a similar act, that too against the same team. Dhoni during the encounter had asked Bangladesh player Sabbir Rahman to move the square-leg fielder more towards the left. Similarly, Sabbir too had obliged to Dhoni's instructions.
Coming back to the Test, riding on Pant and Gill's superb partnership, India declared their innings at 287/4, thus leaving Bangladesh with a massive 515-run target. Gill returned unbeaten on 119(176), which his fifth ton in this format.
