“Test cricket missed you” - Fans erupt as Rishabh Pant marks his return to the longest format with a brilliant century in IND vs BAN 1st Test 2024

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a stunning return to Test cricket, scoring a remarkable century on Day 3 of the first Test in a two-match series against Bangladesh on Saturday, September 21, at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Coming in at No. 5, Pant forged a 167-run partnership off 217 balls for the fourth wicket with Shubman Gill. In his first Test match in over a year and a half, the southpaw reached his century in just 123 balls, equaling MS Dhoni’s record for the most centuries (six) by an Indian wicketkeeper in Test cricket.

The 26-year-old finished with 109 runs off 128 balls, hitting 13 fours and four sixes. As he celebrated his brilliant century, fans flocked to X to share their reactions. Here are some of them:

"Test cricket missed you, Rishabh Pant. Back to Test cricket after 634 days, and behaving like he never went away from this hamey. Highest quality hundred.”

"From getting booed by MS Dhoni fans to to Chepauk crowd standing up to salute Rishabh Pant, he has come a long way," a fan stated.

"Rishabh Pant's records speak volumes! His ability to score quickly while keeping the innings steady is unmatched. He's redefining the role of a wicketkeeper-batter in Tests," wrote another.

"Rishabh Pant with a sensational hundred! Spidey's return is nothing short of spectacular- take a bow, Pant!" a fan commented.

The left-hander scored 39 runs in the first innings of the game.

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Centuries by Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill help India set a massive target

A stellar bowling performance from Jasprit Bumrah (4/50) enabled India to establish a 227-run lead in the first innings. In the second innings, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill excelled with the bat for the hosts.

Pant scored 109 runs off 128 balls, while Gill remained unbeaten on 119, smashing 10 fours and four sixes. The hosts declared their second innings at 287/4 after 64 overs, setting Bangladesh a daunting target of 515 runs.

At the time of writing, Bangladesh were 46/0 after nine overs, with Zakir Hasan (27) and Shadman Islam (18) at the crease.