India vs Bangladesh: Rishabh Pant Equals MS Dhoni Record with 6th Test Century

India vs Bangladesh: Rishabh Pant made an impressive return to Test cricket scoring his sixth century in the second innings against Bangladesh during the first Test in Chennai With this achievement Pant has matched the record for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper in Test history tying with former captain MS Dhoni. Remarkably Pant reached this milestone in just 34 matches while Dhoni did so in 90.

Pant century came at a crucial moment with India struggling at 83/3 in their second innings after Virat Kohli was dismissed for 17. He steadied the innings alongside Shubman Gill showcasing a blend of patience and aggression that helped India build a significant lead. Pant reached his century off 124 balls highlighting his ability to perform under pressure.

This century was particularly meaningful for Pant as he had a less fruitful first innings, scoring only 39 runs. His stellar performance in the second innings demonstrated his resilience and capacity to rise to the occasion putting India in a strong position as they finished Day 3 in control of the match leaving Bangladesh with a challenging task ahead.

Pant, Gill hit tons to set improbable 515-run target for Bangladesh

In an emotional return to Test cricket Rishabh Pant shone brightly. while Shubman Gill continued to enhance his reputation in the red-ball format as both players scored centuries that showcased India dominance over Bangladesh on the third day of the first Test in Chennai. By tea Bangladesh was at 56 without loss facing an enormous target of 515 runs after India declared their innings at 287 for four having started the day at 81 for 3.

Pant and Gill forged a remarkable partnership of 167 runs off 217 balls for the fourth wicket. While the scoreboard told one story the significance of their centuries was deeply personal for both players. Pant journey has been well-documented following his harrowing car accident in December 2022, and his reaction after scoring his sixth Test century—standing with his eyes closed and bat raised in a silent prayer—underscored the profound importance of this moment for him.

Gill watched from a distance, respecting Pant private reflection before they embraced as the crowd erupted in celebration. This moment also marked Pant achievement of equaling MS Dhoni record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. Gill meanwhile faced his own battles stemming from a lack of confidence in the longer format. Since scoring his first Test century against England earlier this year he has shown significant improvement validating this growth with his fifth Test hundred reached with a single off Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

As both players took to the field their different styles were on full display; Pant starting the day on 12 quickly found his rhythm hitting a six over fine leg and accumulating runs with flair. He was eventually dropped on 72 but continued his aggressive approach reaching his century before returning a catch to the diligent Mehidy.

Gill style contrasted with Pant focusing on minimalism and efficiency executing shots with precision rather than flourish. He scored runs steadily alongside KL Rahul adding 53 runs for the fifth wicket which pushed India lead past 500. Inspired by the performance of Pant and Gill Bangladesh managed to end the session without losing a wicket a rare achievement in this match. Together Pant and Gill centuries set Bangladesh an imposing target of 515 runs putting India firmly in control of the match.

Most Test 100s by designated wicketkeepers for India

• 6 Rishabh Pant (58 inngs)
• 6 MS Dhoni (144 inngs)
• 3 Wriddhiman Saha (54 inngs)

His half-century which came off 88 balls was slower than his usual knocks but reflective of his growth as a player. Pant knew when to accelerate and when to bide his time. showcasing a side of his game that has often been overlooked. His discipline didn’t last long. As the match progressed Pant pounced on loose deliveries carefully selecting when to open up turning the pressure back on Bangladesh.

As the forecast for rain loomed Pant and Gill began to shift gears. With half-centuries under their belts, they capitalized on Bangladesh flagging morale. Boundaries flowed as batting conditions eased and Pant effortlessly transitioned from his early defensive mindset into an attacking one hammering the Bangladesh bowlers. By the time Pant reached his century off 124 balls India lead had grown to a commanding 432 runs and Bangladesh hopes were all but extinguished. Pant was eventually dismissed for 109 caught and bowled by Mehidy Hasan.

Which Indian wicketkeepers have scored the most centuries in Test cricket?

Pant century inning of 109 runs off 128 balls was his sixth Test Hundred of his career equalising MS Dhoni record of the most Test centuries for India. He also becomes the joint-fifth batter with most hundreds for the country as a wicketkeeper.

Rishabh Pant Returns to Tests with a Bang, Scores half-Century and hits the iconic one-handed six

Rishabh is return to the Tests the 26-year-old brought in plenty of excitement for the fans as the longest format is widely considered his best and he did not disappoint. On the back of his 52-ball-39 in the first innings the southpaw came to bat on Day 3 with a mission to accelerate India’s score, as the team was reeling at 88/3 at the end of Day 2.

On his road to fifty the star batter played some fantastic shots including his trademark shot of the single-handed six off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. He was batting on 37 when he walked down the track against a delivery that was pitched outside off and smacked one towards the right of the long off. At Lunch on Day 2 he was batting at 82*(108) after a brilliant hundred-run partnership with Number three batter Shubman Gill. India currently has a lead of 432 runs at lunch on Day 3.