Pant’s Triumphant Return: A Test Cricket Comeback for the Ages
Rishabh Pant’s triumphant return to Test cricket was marked by an emotional century, equalling the record of MS Dhoni for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. Pant’s performance in the Test against Bangladesh in Chennai confirmed what many cricket enthusiasts have long believed: while he may have risen to fame as a T20 star, it is in the longer format of the game that he truly feels at home.
After India’s commanding 280-run victory, Pant reflected on his journey back to the Test arena. “Definitely, it was emotional because coming back I wanted to score in each and every match, which I couldn’t do in the first innings,” Pant told the broadcasters. In the first innings, Pant was involved in a crucial recovery partnership but fell short due to a momentary lapse in concentration. However, the second innings saw him back at his best, showcasing the skill and resilience that have defined his career.
“Coming back to Test cricket, where I belong most, is great. I enjoyed batting out there and just got a little bit emotional. But at the end of the day, just being on the field gives me more pleasure than doing anything else,” Pant said, capturing the passion that fuels his performances. His latest century came on the hallowed grounds of Chennai, a venue closely associated with Dhoni, adding an extra layer of significance to the achievement.
Pant admitted that he, too, cherishes the atmosphere in Chennai: “A lot [is] special because I love playing in Chennai, first of all. And secondly, after injury, I think I wanted to play all three formats and this was my first Test match after coming back. Just loving it every day.”
Despite a modest first-innings score of 39, Pant made an impact with a crucial partnership alongside his friend and teammate Shubman Gill. Walking in ahead of KL Rahul at a precarious 34 for 3, Pant and Gill added 62 runs, stabilizing the innings. “I try to read the situation in my own way,” Pant explained.
“And when you’re 30 for 3, I think you need to stitch a partnership. And that’s what exactly me and Gill did out there. Especially, I feel like when you are chatting with someone who you have a great relationship with outside the field, it really helps.”
Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised Pant’s remarkable resilience and dedication, highlighting his journey back from injury. “He has been through some really tough times, and the way he has managed himself through those tough times was superb to watch,” Rohit said. “He came back in the IPL, then followed by the World Cup—a very successful World Cup—and then obviously this is the format he loves the most.”
Pant’s comeback underscores his unwavering commitment to Test cricket, proving that while his skills may shine in T20s, his heart belongs to the traditional format. His journey back from injury and his stellar performance against Bangladesh serve as a testament to his talent, determination, and love for the game.
