‘Love playing in Chennai, definitely it was emotional knock’ - Rishabh Pant after scoring hundred on Test return

India keeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffered multiple injuries after a major car accident in December 2022. He was out of action for almost 18 months and made his return to professional cricket during IPL 2024. There were doubts if the 26-year-old could make his Test return soon, given the nature of the injuries he suffered but the youngster showed some character and dedication and made a comeback to red-ball cricket in the first round of the Duleep Trophy.

He impressed the selectors in the game and eventually, he was called up to the national team for the Test series against Bangladesh. In the second innings of the first Test in Chennai, when the hosts were under some pressure, Pant rose up to the occasion and hit 109 runs to help India post a massive lead. Shubman Gill supported him well with a century as well and the Rohit Sharma-led side posted a target of 515 runs.

India went on to win the game by 280 runs. After the game, Pant opened up about his return to Test cricket - a format that he loves and stated that it was an emotional knock for him and added that he loves playing in Chennai.

“Definition a lot special. Firstly, I love playing in Chennai and secondly, after injury, I was looking to play all three formats, this was my first match in this format and hopefully, I did better. Definitely, it was emotional, I was looking to score runs in each and every game. Coming back to Test cricket where I belong the most, being on the field gives me pleasure more than anything else,” Pant said after the game.

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Pant opens up on match-winning partnership with Gill

Team India were 67/3 at one stage in the second innings as Bangladesh bowlers had a great start, which also gave the visitors some belief. However, Pant and Gill stitched a partnership of 167 runs, which changed the game for India. Speaking about his partnership with Gill, Pant stated that he didn’t care what others said from outside and he enjoyed sharing the crease with someone he bonds very well with.

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“I don't know what people say outside, I tried to read the situation in my own way, when you are 30-3 (67/3) you need to stitch a partnership and that's what I did with Gill. To do it with a guy who I have a great relationship with is special,” Pant concluded.