Virat Kohli leads Chepauk's rousing applause as Pant scores Test comeback ton

Virat Kohli led Chepauk's rousing applause as Rishabh Pant scored a spectacular hundred on his return to Test cricket. Pant scored 109 runs from 128 deliveries against Bangladesh.

In Short

• Rishabh Pant notches up his 6th Test hundred
• Indian team gives standing ovation to Pant
• Pant makes a spectacular comeback to Test cricket

Rishabh Pant scored his 6th Test hundred on Day 3 of the 1st Test between India and Bangladesh at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Making a comeback after being 634 days away from Test cricket, Rishabh showed how comebacks are made. Rishabh announced his return to Test cricket after two years in style and gave an example of how comebacks are stronger than setbacks. Pant reached the three-figure mark from 124 deliveries off Shakib Al Hasan's delivery. The Indian team couldn't help but rise and give a huge round of applause to the comeback man. Virat Kohli, who was in his training gear at the boundary side, led the applause as the crowd erupted and gave a standing ovation. Interestingly, Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal were training in the nets after their early dismissals in the 3rd innings.

Pant returned to the Test side and played like he was never out of any game or any format. He showed what makes him a champion and game changer as the 26-year-old yet again played an entertaining knock. He also equalled MS Dhoni's record for most Test hundreds by a wicketkeeper for India with his 6th century in 58 innings. However, Pant was faster than Dhoni, who reached the 6th ton mark in 144 innings, with Wriddhiman Saha being next in line with three hundreds in 54 innings.

Pant impresses on Test return

The 26-year-old was making a comeback in Test cricket two years after the car accident in December 2022. His last Test century was during the 5th Test against England in Birmingham in July 2022, when the star batter scored 146 runs. The team acknowledged Pant's determination to make a marvellous comeback. Pant unleashed some audacious hitting during his innings and shared a 167-run stand with Shubman Gill in the 3rd innings of the 1st Test match.

Rishabh Pant walked in at No. 5 during India's first innings when the team was in deep trouble at 34/3. This was a familiar situation for Pant, known for his fearless approach and ability to turn games around. He quickly stabilised the innings, building a crucial 62-run stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal and scoring a composed 39 off 52 balls. However, his aggressive instinct led to his downfall shortly after lunch, when he edged a delivery to the wicketkeeper.

While Pant's dismissal felt like a missed opportunity, he made amends in the second innings. Walking in with India reeling at 83/3 following Virat Kohli's dismissal for 17, Pant found himself at another critical juncture. Though India held a healthy 227-run lead, early wickets had given Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. This time, Pant showed great maturity, blending caution with his usual aggression. His measured approach reflected growth, helping India regain control during a tense phase.