Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant brought some light-hearted fun to the warm-up session before the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. As India resumed their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign after a six-month break from red-ball cricket, the players seemed relaxed yet focused on the upcoming challenge.
The Test series is crucial for India as they aim for a spot in their third consecutive WTC final. Adding to the excitement, this match marks Rishabh Pant’s return to Test cricket after a lengthy recovery from a near-fatal car accident in late 2022.
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During the pre-match warm-up, a humorous moment unfolded involving Kuldeep Yadav, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant. Kuldeep was busy stretching with a resistance band when Kohli, with Pant’s assistance, decided to have a bit of fun. The star batter grabbed the resistance band and, with Pant’s help, playfully dragged Kuldeep across the ground.
Virat Kohli and Rishabh pant teasing with Kuldeep Yadav before first Test match against Bangladesh #INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/HcyZgYMw7T
— Virat AV (@av_vk18) September 19, 2024
The impromptu prank caught Kuldeep off-guard, and the trio erupted in laughter, creating a joyful scene that was quickly picked up by fans and cameras alike. Moments like these reflect the camaraderie within the team, a mix of senior and junior players finding ways to keep spirits high even in high-stakes series.
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As for the match itself, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Indian team had a rocky start, losing key wickets early in the first session. Virat Kohli, who was greeted with loud cheers from the Chennai crowd, could not capitalize on the warm reception, falling for just six runs off six balls.
Despite the early blows, India managed to regroup thanks to crucial knocks from Yashasvi Jaiswal (56 off 118), Ravindra Jadeja (51* off 76), and Ravichandran Ashwin (75* off 81). By the end of the day, India posted a respectable 275/6 in 68 overs, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.
