Sun Sep 22 04:50:54 UTC 2024: ## Pant’s Century Marks Triumphant Return to Test Cricket
**Chennai, India -** Rishabh Pant’s childhood coach, Devender Shama, expressed immense pride as his ward achieved a remarkable century on his return to Test cricket. Pant’s 109 in the second innings of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh is considered as special as his iconic 109 at the Gabba against Australia in 2021, according to Shama.
This was Pant’s sixth Test century, his first since returning from a debilitating road accident in December 2022. Although he made a successful comeback in the IPL earlier this year, doubts lingered about his ability to seamlessly transition back to the longer format. After a promising performance in the Duleep Trophy, Pant was chosen for the first Test against Bangladesh.
The wicketkeeper-batter looked assured throughout the match, contributing a crucial 39 in the first innings before unleashing a blistering century in the second innings. He smashed 13 boundaries and four sixes, propelling India to a formidable 515-run target for Bangladesh.
“I am overjoyed for Rishabh,” Shama shared with PTI. “He could have scored a century in the first innings too, and I was slightly disappointed that he didn’t. But today, he was flawless. This hundred is extremely important for him, being his first international ton since his comeback.”
Shama further emphasized the significance of this hundred, stating that “Every player needs that confidence, and despite any white-ball achievements, it is your Test match exploits that you are remembered for. After the accident and the rehabilitation he went through, this knock will be right up there.”
The Gabba victory remains a cherished memory for everyone, but this century holds special value for Shama as a coach. It signifies Pant’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity. He looked comfortable and confident, demonstrating a smooth return to the traditional format.
Pant’s century also allowed him to equal MS Dhoni’s record for most hundreds by an Indian wicketkeeper in Test cricket. The victory in the first Test was further solidified by a century from Shubman Gill, demonstrating India’s dominance. While India struggled in the first innings, reaching 144 for 6, centuries from R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja helped them reach a respectable 376. Bangladesh, in reply, managed only 149 runs.
First Piper 