Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant displayed some much-needed resistance after the team lost three early wickets on Day 1 of the Test against Bangladesh. The pair managed to form a crucial partnership, adding an unbeaten half-century before the lunch break in India’s first innings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud wreaked havoc on the Indian top order after Najmul Hossain Shanto decided to bowl first. Within the first 10 overs, Mahmud had sent Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli back to the pavilion, leaving India struggling at 34/3.
Rohit had an early escape with an umpire’s call while on 1, but his reprieve was short-lived. He managed just 6 runs before being caught by Najmul Hasan Shanto. Shubman Gill’s stay at the crease was even shorter; he lasted only eight balls before edging a leg-side delivery to wicketkeeper Litton Das, departing for a duck.
WATCH – Rishabh Pant and Litton Das Engage In Lighthearted Banter During Chennai Test
Virat Kohli walked into Chepauk to loud cheers, looking composed, but his familiar weakness outside the off-stump resurfaced. Chasing a wide delivery from Mahmud, Kohli nicked it to Litton Das, much to the dismay of Indian fans. By the end of the first session, India was 88/3 after 23 overs, with Jaiswal and Pant trying to steady the ship.
— Kirkit Expert (@expert42983) September 19, 2024
— Kirkit Expert (@expert42983) September 19, 2024
Starting the second session, Jaiswal and Pant seemed poised to rebuild India’s innings, but Bangladesh soon broke the partnership. Mahmud claimed his fourth wicket when he dismissed Pant, who edged a short delivery to Litton Das. Frustrated with his shot selection, Pant slammed his bat onto his pad before walking off, while head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen shaking his head in disappointment.
Interestingly, Pant had hit a boundary just a ball earlier, cutting a short delivery wide of point. However, he seemed uncertain while playing the next shot, leading to his dismissal.
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Gautam Gambhir, speaking at the pre-match press conference, had praised Pant as a game-changer in Test cricket. Gambhir emphasized that Pant has the potential to make a significant impact and that the team management will continue to give him the freedom to play his natural, aggressive style.
