New Delhi: Rishabh Pant equalled the legendary MS Dhoni’s record as he notched up his sixth Test century for India in the 1st Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, September 21. Pant slammed a brilliant knock of 109 off 128 balls as India dominated the proceedings with the bat in the second innings on Day 3.
Resuming the proceedings from 81/3 on Day 3, Pant and Shubman Gill continued from where they left on the second day as the duo shared a magnificent partnership of 167 runs for the 4th wicket with a ton apiece. Pant, who resumed from his overnight score of 13, was the first to get to his century as he made a mockery of the Bangladesh bowling attack with his swashbuckling strokeplay.
Making his comeback to Test cricket for India after nearly 20 months, Pant made his intentions clear early on in his innings on Day 2 as he went after Shakib Al Hasan. He continued his aggressive intent against the Bangladesh spinners on Day 3 as he raced to his century off just 124 balls. Pant’s 109 was laced with 13 fours and 4 sixes.
With the help of his brilliant ton, Pant equalled Dhoni’s record of most centuries by an Indian wicket-keeper batter in Test cricket. Dhoni finished his career with 4876 runs from 90 Tests, including six hundreds. Pant has managed to level Dhoni’s record in just 33 Test matches for India. The left-hander is now just one short of surpassing the former India captain on the elite list.
Most centuries by an Indian wicket-keeper in Tests:
6 – Rishabh Pant
6 – MS Dhoni
3 – Wriddhiman Saha
🚨 RISHAB PANT SHOW AT CHEPAUK 🚨 pic.twitter.com/sETSAMwvVm
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 21, 2024
Pant, Gill power India to 514-run lead in Chennai Test against Bangladesh
After notching up his hundred, Pant went all guns blazing and ended up perishing trying to take on spinner Mehidy Hasan. Pant was caught and bowled by Mehidy, bringing an end to his 167-run stand with Gill. However, Gill continued his fine form after the left-hander’s departure and went on to notch up his 5th Test hundred in style.
The prolific right-hander finished unbeaten on 119 off 176 balls, helping India extend their lead to 514 runs. Centuries from Pant and Gill helped India post 287/4 on the board in their second innings before skipper Rohit Sharma decided to declare and put the visitors to bat in their second innings. India are in a strong position in the Test match and will be hoping to bowl out Bangladesh as quickly as possible to wrap up a comprehensive win.
Rishabh Pant equalled MS Dhoni’s record for India with his sixth Test century in the ongoing Chennai Test against Bangladesh. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
