On Day 3 of the first Test at MA Chidambaram Stadium, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant provided fans with a memorable moment when he was hilariously seen helping Bangladesh set their field while batting. Pant, alongside Shubman Gill, resumed India’s innings at 81/3 and soon powered India past the 400-run mark. As the stump mic caught, Pant humorously suggested to Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, “one fielder here” while pointing towards mid-wicket. To everyone’s surprise, Shanto obliged, moving the fielder as per Pant’s advice.
Pant resumed his innings cautiously, starting at 12* (13). At the other end, Shubman Gill was in full flow, showcasing his exceptional stroke play. Gill brought up his half-century in style, smashing back-to-back sixes off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Pant, meanwhile, continued his steady progress, finding boundaries sporadically and moving to 36 by the drinks break.
After both batters reached their respective half-centuries, they shifted gears, launching a calculated assault on the Bangladesh bowlers. Their partnership flourished, with Pant and Gill building a crucial 100-run stand, leaving Bangladesh under significant pressure. Pant had a lucky escape when Najmul Hossain Shanto dropped him on 71 off Shakib Al Hasan’s bowling.
By lunch, Pant was unbeaten on 86*, Gill on 82*, and India had reached 205/3, leading by 432 runs. The pair extended their partnership to 138 runs by lunchtime, firmly placing India in the driver’s seat and leaving Bangladesh struggling to contain the duo.
