New Delhi: Rishabh Pant is glad to immediately hit form upon return to Test cricket after a horrific car accident that sidelined him for over a year.
The keeper-batter underwent several surgeries after a car crash in December 2022 and could only return to competitive cricket in the 2024 Indian Premier League in March.
He then helped India win the T20 World Cup in June that facilitated his return to the red-ball cricket in the ongoing Bangladesh series.
The left hander scored a typical swashbuckling 109-run knock off 128 deliveries in the second innings on his return to the five-day format and helped India win the first game by 280 runs in Chennai.
The 26-year-old smashed 13 boundaries and four sixes, his innings having a blend of attack and defence that signalled to maturity.
“I was very nervous. I was very jittery, but there was some fire inside that I wanted to make it happen, and eventually, I did it, and I’m happy,” Pant said, in a video posted by BCCI on social media.
‘Share great rapport with Gill’
Apart from Pant, top-order batter Shubman Gill also scored a century at the Chepauk stadium, their 167-run partnership in the second innings firmed up India’s grip in the match.
Pant said his camaraderie with Gill off the field reflected in their time at the middle as they swelled India’s lead beyond Bangladesh’s reach.
“When you have a great relationship outside the field, it helps to bat with that guy. We were having fun, having chats, talking about the game, and staying relaxed. At the end of the day, we both knew what we wanted to do,” Pant, who smashed a ton on Test comeback, said in a BCCI video posted on social media.
“The understanding of the game for me is that cricket should improve wherever you play. So, I was trying to help the team that you can set a fielder here, and it was amazing. I enjoyed it.”
The second Test between India and Bangladesh will be held in Kanpur from September 27.
Rishabh Pant scored a typical swashbuckling century on his return to Test cricket and helped India beat Bangladesh by 280 runs in Chennai. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
