For the first time in the series, there was verbal banter between India and England cricket as an action-packed day unraveled at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Day 1 of the 2nd Test. Rishabh Pant was seen getting involved in a heated conversation with the English skipper, Joe Root, and all-rounder Ben Stokes towards the end of the day’s play.

It all began when Rishabh Pant while facing Joe Root in the penultimate over of the day, decided to delay the deliveries in a bid to try and make sure it was the final over of Day 1. However, Pant’s efforts went in vain as Root completed his over just before the final minute, allowing Olly Stone to bowl another over, which eventually turned out to be the last over of the day.

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Between overs, Rishabh Pant was spotted having an intense chat with the English skipper before all-rounder Ben Stokes joined in. Pant and Stokes were seen engaging in a verbal banter before Stone bowled the final over. Pant remained unbeaten on 33 and Axar Patel, on his Test debut, was unbeaten on 5 as India post 300 for 6 in 88 overs on Day 1.

Stokes finally showing his real face!

Remember 2016 series, after stokes, Kohli started to give it back, I think it's time for Pant now. Ivan summave Paatu paduvan inimae solave venam 😂😂😂🔥🔥

COME ON PANTTT! #RishabhPant #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/E0x7inIkD9

— Cooku with Comali FC (@idlyvadachutney) February 13, 2021

Joe Root was a bit more animated than normal on Day 1 as he had to deal with some close calls on the field. Root was seen frustrated and disappointed when the third umpire gave Ajinkya Rahane not out when batting on 66 even after replays showed a Jack Leach delivery kissing his gloves before going to the hands of the short-leg fielder. 

Pant is the left hand batsman Stokes aspires to be. pic.twitter.com/bXDtADRqXi

— Prashanth (@ps_it_is) February 13, 2021

Much to the relief of England, Rahane added just 1 more run before he was castled on 67 by Moeen Ali. Also, the lost review was restored for England as the third umpire acknowledged his error.

India is in the driver’s seat after the first day’s play with Rohit Sharma hitting a classy 161 with able support from Rahane. Earlier. Virat Kohli won an important toss on a big-turner in Chennai and put the team to bat first.

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India got off to a poor start, losing Shubman Gill for a duck in just the 2nd over of the day. Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma had an 85-run partnership but Pujara was dismissed by a beauty from Leach. Skipper Kohli was dismissed for a duck as well while he tried to drive Moeen Ali through the covers. However, Rohit and Rahane added 162 runs for the 4th wicket to put the pressure back on India before Pant played a handy cameo towards the end of the day.