India’s young and promising No.3 batter, Shubman Gill, delivered a masterclass on Day 3 of the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. He scored an unbeaten 119 off 176 balls, propelling India to declare their second innings at 287/4, setting a daunting target of 515 runs for Bangladesh on Saturday.
After a forgettable first innings, where Gill was dismissed for a duck, the talented batter staged a remarkable comeback in the second innings. He displayed immense composure and resilience, bringing up his century with a single off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. His authoritative knock featured 10 boundaries and 4 towering sixes, cementing India’s dominant position in the match.
Shubman Gill’s century marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket history. He became only the second Indian No.3 batter, after the legendary Rahul Dravid, to score a Test century at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in 35 Test matches. Moreover, Gill achieved another unique feat by becoming the first batter to score a second-innings century against Bangladesh after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings. This underlines his adaptability and strength as a top-order batter.
Gill’s innings was pivotal not only for its individual brilliance but also for his vital 167-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Pant, making a triumphant return to Test cricket after nearly two years, also reached a century in the second innings. His aggressive knock tied him with MS Dhoni for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper, further solidifying India’s hold over the game.
With India declaring at 287/4, Bangladesh now faces an uphill battle to chase down a colossal 515 runs. Gill’s stellar performance, combined with Pant’s century, has placed India in a commanding position. With the pitch expected to deteriorate over the next two days, the home side will be banking on their bowlers to capitalize on the massive lead and seal the victory.
The trademark Shubman Gill century celebration…!!!
– A superb knock by Gill at Chepauk.pic.twitter.com/UDDt3TrbU6
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 21, 2024
Tea on Day 3 in Chennai.
Bangladesh move to 56/0 in the 2nd innings.
Final session of the day coming up.
Live – https://t.co/jV4wK7BgV2#TeamIndia | #INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/y6tMr9hGLp
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 21, 2024