Rishabh Pant made a momentous return to Test cricket with an emotionally charged hundred during the India vs. Bangladesh Test in Chennai, rekindling his deep-rooted love for the longer format of the game. On this significant day, Pant stood with his eyes closed and bat lifted high in the air, offering a silent prayer that resonated with the spirit of gratitude and reverence, encapsulating the magnitude of his journey back to the sport he holds dear.
Pant's road to recovery has been nothing short of extraordinary. Following a horrific car crash on December 30, 2022, many feared for his future in cricket, questioning whether he would ever return to the field. The injuries he sustained were severe, affecting his ankle, knee, and back, leading to a prolonged rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. During the initial stages, the uncertainty loomed large, and the prospect of returning to the sport he cherished seemed almost like a distant dream. Even the most optimistic fans could not envision Pant donning the Indian jersey again.
However, Pant is no ordinary cricketer. His character is defined by resilience, grit, and an unwavering belief in himself. Day 450 since the accident marked a significant milestone as he made his first runs. Day 457 brought his first fifty, and by Day 523, he rejoined the Indian team. His most significant achievement came on Day 538 when he became a world champion. Finally, on Day 634, Pant reached his sixth Test hundred, equalling the legendary MS Dhoni’s record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman—a moment that further solidified his place in cricket history.
India managed Pant's comeback with meticulous care, allowing him to heal both physically and mentally. While his return did not immediately yield big innings, there were unmistakable signs that the Rishabh Pant everyone adored—the agile, fearless, and entertaining cricketer—was gradually rediscovering his form. On a sweltering afternoon in Chennai, Pant completed an emotional re-initiation into Test cricket with a sensational hundred that felt like a redemption arc, a culmination of his struggles and triumphs over adversity.
His journey back to the crease was not merely about runs; it symbolized hope, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Pant’s reaction after reaching his hundred, marked by a two off Shakib Al Hasan, was particularly poignant. It was a moment steeped in emotion, highlighting just how much the milestone meant to him. This hundred marked his first international century since his ton against England in an ODI on July 17, 2022—an impressive gap of 797 days. His last Test century had come earlier that same year, on July 1, 2022, against England in Birmingham.
The recovery process was not solely physical; it encompassed a mental battle as well. With a positive mindset and unwavering support from fans, Pant navigated through one of the most challenging phases of his life. Emerging from this struggle, he now appreciates life’s small joys even more deeply. Yet, when on the field, he remains the same unpredictable, bold, and thrilling Rishabh Pant that cricket fans have come to love.
Walking into bat during the 20th over of India's second innings, Pant faced a challenging scenario following the dismissal of Virat Kohli for just 17 runs. With captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal also falling short with the bat, India’s commanding 227-run lead suddenly appeared vulnerable. Known for his aggressive stroke play, Pant was thrust into a situation that called for maturity and composure—an intriguing test for a player renowned for his flamboyance.
As play resumed on Day 3, Pant opted for a more cautious approach. His initial focus was on stabilizing India’s innings, prioritizing solid technique over flamboyance. In the first hour, he exhibited unusual restraint, carefully selecting loose deliveries to capitalize on, which was crucial in a tense moment where Bangladesh was pushing for quick wickets. His half-century, a vital one, came off 88 balls—much slower than his typical pace—but it underscored the maturity he brought to the crease.
Mindful of a soft dismissal in the first innings, Pant demonstrated a renewed commitment to not give his wicket away easily. Following a careful buildup, he began to accelerate, showcasing his aggressive intent with a brilliant ramp-sweep for six off Hasan Mahmud. His partner, Shubman Gill, also began to up the tempo, hinting at a possible declaration soon. Just before lunch, Pant survived a dropped catch by Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto but responded by hammering two more boundaries, bringing an aggressive end to the session.
After the lunch break, Pant effortlessly switched gears, utilizing his trademark flick behind square to punish both pace and spin, reaching his sixth Test hundred in style. The moment was nothing short of euphoric, marking a significant chapter in his career and life. As he stood near the middle of the crease, eyes closed, head tilted upward, bat raised in celebration, the scene felt like a silent prayer—a moment of reflection and gratitude for the sport that had returned to him, and perhaps for life itself. His partner, Shubman Gill, stood respectfully at a distance, allowing Pant to savor this intensely private moment. It was a scene of quiet reverence, encapsulating the essence of resilience and determination that defines his journey.
Moments later, the two young cricketers embraced warmly as the Chepauk crowd erupted in applause, creating a raucous atmosphere. This embrace was more than just a celebration of another milestone; it was a recognition of Pant's arduous journey back to the sport he adores, a tribute to his resilience and unwavering spirit. This hundred, however, held deeper significance, marking Pant's equaling of Chennai’s very own ‘Thala,’ MS Dhoni, in the record books for the most Test hundreds by an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman.
As Pant embarked on this new chapter of his career, former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly aptly dubbed him an “all-time great” in the making. “I’m not surprised he’s back, and he will continue to play for India in Tests,” Ganguly remarked, emphasizing Pant's potential to leave an indelible mark on the game. His phenomenal record on overseas tours has set him apart from his peers. In Australia, for example, his unbeaten 159 off 189 balls helped India secure a hard-fought draw at Sydney in 2019. But the true testament to his audacity and bravery came during the 2021 Gabba Test when his unbeaten 89 not only chased down an improbable 328 runs in the fourth innings but also ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue—a knock that has secured a permanent place in cricket folklore.
Pant's unpredictability and thrilling presence in Test cricket make him a crucial player. He possesses the unique ability to grind out a slow fifty when needed, as demonstrated in his gritty knock at The Oval in 2021, where he anchored India’s lower order with a solid performance off 105 balls. However, his explosive nature often takes center stage, evidenced by his remarkable innings against South Africa in 2022, where he struck an unbeaten 100 even after India was reduced to 58 for 4. Such performances underscore his knack for thriving under pressure, making him a player that opponents must constantly be wary of.
Pant’s brilliance in red-ball cricket is not solely about the numbers, though they are undeniably impressive. It’s the spirit with which he approaches the game that sets him apart. While players like Virat Kohli champion the format in press conferences, Pant showcases his commitment through his actions on the field. His audacious reverse scoops off bowlers like James Anderson, his constant chatter behind the stumps, and his willingness to break conventions breathe new life into the longest format of cricket.
Now, after nearly 20 months away following that life-altering road accident, Pant marked his emotional comeback with a sensational hundred in Chennai on September 21. His return could not have come at a more opportune time, with India eyeing yet another Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory. Pant's unique aura adds an element of unpredictability to the team, keeping opposition bowlers and teams on their toes. In red-ball cricket, where pacing innings and displaying patience are often paramount, Pant defies the norm. He has the ability to grind out tough innings, but more frequently, he’s the player who surprises everyone with a bold shot or a game-changing play.
His adaptability, fearlessness, and ability to thrive under pressure make him India’s X-factor in Test cricket. And with this hundred, Rishabh Pant has seamlessly resumed his love affair with red-ball cricket, reminding everyone of his extraordinary talent and indomitable spirit.
As the cricketing world reflects on Pant’s remarkable journey, it is evident that he has not only returned to the game but has come back stronger, more determined, and with a renewed appreciation for every moment on the field. Welcome back, Rishabh Pant. Test cricket truly missed you, and your fans around the world celebrate your remarkable journey and resilient spirit!
