Chennai, Sept 21: Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant powered India to a dominant position on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh, as the hosts reached 205 for 3 at lunch in their second innings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Gill, unbeaten on 86, and Pant, not out on 82, forged an impressive 138-run partnership for the fourth wicket, extending India’s lead to 432 runs.
Resuming the day at 81 for 3, Gill (33*) and Pant (12*) steadily built India’s innings. Gill, known for his elegant stroke play, brought up his half-century off 79 balls, showcasing his growing maturity in Test cricket. Pant, playing his first Test since 2022, also reached his fifty off 88 balls after a cautious start.
Pant’s innings gained momentum when he hit off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a boundary early in the session, and from there, he took on the Bangladesh bowlers with aggressive intent. One of the highlights was a scooped six over fine leg off Mahmud Hasan, entertaining the Chennai crowd.
Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to capitalize on the cool, damp morning, allowing India to add 124 runs in the session without losing a wicket. Pant was given a reprieve on 72 when Najmul Hossain Shanto dropped a catch off Shakib Al Hasan.
India’s commanding lead and solid partnerships have put them in control of the match, with both Gill and Pant looking well set for bigger scores.
