India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant once again stole the spotlight with his playful antics during the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh. Known for his vocal presence behind the stumps, Pant took his entertaining persona to the crease, showcasing his trademark charm and aggression. But what happened next was something you don’t see every day on a cricket field.
In an unusual moment, while batting, Pant actually asked Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto to adjust his fielders! To everyone’s surprise, Shanto obliged and moved a fielder to the spot Pant had suggested. It left the spectators, both in the stadium and watching from home, in awe of the bizarre yet hilarious interaction.
The scene quickly went viral, showcasing Pant’s ability to get inside the opposition’s head in ways that few can. But Pant was not just toying with the field placements. His batting was equally aggressive yet calculated. He took his time early on, carefully navigating the tricky pitch, and after settling in, unleashed his aggressive style.
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Pant’s intent was clear: pressure the Bangladesh bowlers and shift the momentum back to India. His knock of 39 from 52 balls in the first innings may not have been huge, but it was crucial in helping India recover after early losses.
— Kirkit Expert (@expert42983) September 21, 2024
While Rishabh Pant missed out on a fifty in the first innings, he reached the milestone in the second innings, marking his first Test fifty since his return from a life-threatening accident in 2022. His comeback knock is a testament to his resilience and mental strength.
Rishabh Pant wasn’t the only one who put Bangladesh under pressure. Ravichandran Ashwin smashed a remarkable 113, Yashasvi Jaiswal battled for a gritty fifty, and Ravindra Jadeja added a stellar 86, helping India post 376 on a testing surface. Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud took a brilliant five-wicket haul, with Taskin Ahmed grabbing three wickets, but India still managed a commanding lead.
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With Jasprit Bumrah taking four wickets and contributions from Siraj, Akash Deep, and Jadeja, India bowled out Bangladesh for a mere 149, securing a 227-run lead. India lost a few wickets by the end of Day 2, but with Pant and Shubman Gill leading the charge on Day 3, India looked comfortably in control.
