Wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant’s entertaining presence on the cricket field was on full display during India’s second innings in the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh.
The wicketkeeper-batter’s jovial nature and aggressive batting style have become hallmarks of his game.
On Day 3 of the Chennai Test, Pant walked out to bat and swiftly scored his 12th Test fifty.
During the match, a peculiar moment caught everyone’s attention when Pant advised Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto on field placement.
Rishabh Pant suggested placing a fielder on the on-side, saying, “Bhai idhar ayega ek. One fielder here.” Surprisingly, Shanto made the adjustments as per Pant’s suggestion, leaving commentators amused.
This incident brought back memories of MS Dhoni’s similar gesture during the 2019 World Cup.
Notably, India seized control of the first Test of the three-match series against Bangladesh despite a spirited start to the 515-run pursuit by the touring side.
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Bangladesh got off to a flying start to the pursuit but lost quick wickets before reaching 158-4 when the bad lights forced an early conclusion of an eventful third, with the visitors still needing 357 for a win.
Earlier, India declared their second innings on 287/4.
Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill scored centuries and put on an anchoring 167-run partnership for the fourth wicket to put India in command.
At the Stumps on Day 3, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was unbeaten on 51 while Shakib Al Hasan had made five not out.
India hit Bangladesh with some “quality bowling”, Bangladesh batting coach David Hemp told reporters.
“Very confident side, especially at home, so you are going to be challenged,” he said.
“So it’s a case of how do we match that. You have to look to score and that’s what we just reinforce… to the batting group, to trust their strengths.”
READ: India hold upper hand despite spirited Bangladesh chase in first Test