Rishabh Pant's miraculous return 'God sent': R Ashwin after India win 1st Test

Ravichandran Ashwin hailed Rishabh Pant's comeback as 'God sent' as India won the 1st Test match by 280 runs vs Bangladesh. Pant scored 109 runs in India's 2nd innings in Chennai.

In Short

• Ashwin hailed Rishabh Pant's comeback as 'God sent'
• Pant scored a blazing hundred on his return to Test cricket for India
• India won the 1st Test by 280 runs against Bangladesh

Ravichandran Ashwin hailed Rishabh Pant's miraculous return to the cricket field as 'God sent'. Ashwin said that Pant always seemed confident and there was no pressure on him from the team. Pant scored his 6th Test hundred on the comeback to red-ball cricket for India against Bangladesh at the MA Chidamabaram Stadium in Chennai. Pant's hundred alongside Ashwin's all-round show contributed in India winning the 1st Test by 280 runs. India took an unassailable lead of 1-0 in the 2-match Test series as they extend their winning streak against Bangladesh.

"I think Rishabh's form was ever going to be in question at all. It's the way he has comeback and all and put himself on the field, that's just miraculous. Which is probably God sent. If I can say that, it depends on the belief of the people. I don't think there was any pressure on him, I think he batted really well in the 1st innings. Good that he is back and scored runs the way he usually does and scores," Ashwin said in the post-match press-conference in Chennai.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable comeback

Rishabh Pant showcased how comebacks can be stronger than setbacks as he returned to Test cricket after more than two years. The 26-year-old was at his entertaining best in India's 2nd innings as he shared a 167-run stand with centurion Shubman Gill. He also looked confident in 1st innings and took the team out of early trouble with 39 runs. However, it was the 3rd innings when Pant unleashed ultimate prowess with 128-ball 109.

"Pant is entertaining"

Ashwin reflected on the unpredictability surrounding Pant's batting and how one doesn't know when their turn will come afterwards.

"He is entertaining. Not the greatest of sights people sitting behind him and waiting to bat. You don't know when your turn will come. Completely entertaining. But I think he is only gonna get better. He never lacked confidence and always got the backing of the team, so. So ya, it was always going to happen, never a doubt."

Ashwin was impressive and was adjudged as the Player of the Match for scoring 6th Test hundred and six-wicket haul at his home ground.