Rishabh Pant Levels with Dhoni in Test Centuries

Rishabh Pant hit his sixth Test century, matching MS Dhoni's record, on day three of the opening Test against Bangladesh. His aggressive play and partnership with Shubman Gill helped India take a dominant position. Pant's innings concluded with striking 13 fours and four sixes before being dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

India's wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant notched a significant milestone on the third day of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai on Saturday. The achievement adds to Pant's impressive record, notably after his formidable performance in the second inning of the Duleep Trophy for India B.

Initiating his Test innings with a solid 39-run knock, Pant went on to celebrate his sixth Test century, sparking jubilant reactions from both the crowd and the Indian team. This century, his sixth in 58 innings, places Pant level with India's renowned captain, MS Dhoni, for the most centuries by a designated wicketkeeper in the Test format.

While Dhoni's Test career, spanning from 2005 to 2014, saw him scoring six centuries, Wriddhiman Saha follows with three centuries in 54 innings. Pant's aggressive batting on the benign MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch contributed significantly to India's commanding position, exemplifying his reliance on powerful shots to build his innings.

Pant's partnership with Shubman Gill was instrumental in dictating the match's tempo, creating a robust 167-run stand for the hosts. Mixing front-foot and backfoot play, Pant adeptly managed the spinners, using backfoot shots to buy time and pick gaps, and occasionally stepping forward to unleash powerful strikes.

One notable moment came in the 53rd over when Pant advanced down the track to hit a half-volley from Shakib Al Hasan over the boundary. His exciting inning, featuring 13 fours and four impressive sixes, concluded when he was dismissed by in-form Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz. As he walked back to the pavilion, Pant acknowledged his achievement with a triumphant kiss toward the sky.

(With inputs from agencies.)