Rishabh Pant opened up about his strong bond with Shubman Gill following the latter's light-hearted accusation that the India wicketkeeper tried to "break his bat" during their partnership.
Indian cricket fans were thrilled to see Pant return to top form, as he scored a brisk century in his comeback Test during India's victory over Bangladesh in Chennai. Playing with his usual flair, Pant looked confident as he took on the Bangladesh bowlers, with his innings of 109, including four sixes, helping India take control of the match alongside Shubman Gill. The two formed a crucial 167-run partnership that left the visitors with no chance.
After the match, Pant spoke to BCCI's social media, reflecting on his return to Test cricket and his quest for a century on day three. "I was very nervous, very jittery," Pant admitted. "But there was this fire inside me to make it happen, and eventually, I did."
Pant also discussed his growing friendship with Gill, which has blossomed over their years together on the team. Gill playfully mentioned that Pant had tried to "break his bat" during their partnership, showcasing the camaraderie between the two. Pant, known for his key role alongside Gill in India’s famous chase at the Gabba, acknowledged how their off-field friendship translates into strong on-field performances.
"One thing I’ve realised is that when you have a great relationship off the field, it really helps when batting together," said Pant. "You understand how the other person is thinking and how the game is progressing. We wanted to stay relaxed and build a solid partnership."
Pant's century marked his sixth in Test cricket, tying MS Dhoni's record for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. At just 26 years old, Pant continues to excel. Meanwhile, Gill, with five Test centuries to his name, is establishing himself as a solid number three in the lineup.
In a humorous moment from the match, Pant was seen advising Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto on field placements, a clip that quickly went viral for showcasing Pant’s cheeky personality. Pant explained the reasoning behind the moment: "For me, cricket should always improve, no matter where you play. I was just trying to help them by suggesting a fielder could be placed there. It was amazing, I really enjoyed it," Pant said with a grin.
Pant will rejoin his teammates for the second Test against Bangladesh, which is set to begin on September 27 in Kanpur.