Tamim Iqbal Predicts Record-Breaking Career for Rishabh Pant

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal believes Rishabh Pant will achieve the most hundreds as a wicketkeeper. Pant's impressive performance, including a 109-run knock in the first Test against Bangladesh, has sparked discussions about his future potential.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has forecasted that Rishabh Pant will achieve a record for the most hundreds as a wicketkeeper. During the first Test between India and Bangladesh, Pant marked his return to the longest format of the game with a spectacular 109 from 128 balls, striking at a rate of 85.16.

Speaking to the broadcaster during the post-tea show, Iqbal assured, "I can assure you he will have the most hundreds as a wicketkeeper." Joining the chorus of praise, former India cricketer Parthiv Patel added, "I can see him scoring more than 20 hundreds." At the end of day three, Bangladesh was 158/4, with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (51*) and Shakib Al Hasan (5*) unbeaten.

From a strong start at 56/0 with openers Shadman Islam (21) and Zakir Hasan (32) at the crease post-tea, Bangladesh faced a challenge as Jasprit Bumrah claimed Zakir's wicket for 33. Ravichandran Ashwin further compounded their troubles by taking out Shadman (35), Mominul Haque (13), and Mushfiqur Rahim (13). Meanwhile, India's lead surged to 432 runs as Pant (82*) and Shubman Gill (86*) held fort at 205/3, culminating in declarations at 287/4, setting a daunting 515-target for the visitors.

Pant celebrated his return with a century, while Gill contributed an unbeaten 119 off 176 balls, inclusive of 10 boundaries and four sixes. KL Rahul chipped in with an undefeated 22 off 19 balls, marked by four boundaries. India declared at 287 for four, setting a substantial challenge for Bangladesh to chase 515 runs to win the series opener.

(With inputs from agencies.)