Rishabh Pant is the kind of character that world cricket needs. The India wicketkeeper-batsman, who remains chirpy whether standing behind the stumps or in front, created another lighthearted moment on the third day of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.
Shortly after play started on the third morning at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Pant noticed a little confusion among the opposition about where to move the fielder, and he decided to help skipper Najmul Shanto.
"Idhar lagega bhai ek fielder, mid-wicket pe," Pant was caught saying on the stump microphone. Interestingly, Shanto did exactly that thereafter, putting a fielder at mid-wicket.
The commentators on air couldn't help but laugh about Pant's sense of humour. This is Pant's first Test match since his horrific car accident in December 2022.
Former Bangladesh captain and veteran allrounder is using an interesting technique to get his stance and head position right while batting in the first Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Images of a thin black band clenched between his teeth while facing up to a bowler have been doing the rounds on social media, leading to the question what makes Shakib do that.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra, who is also doing commentary in the two-match Test series, explained the reason when a batsman can attempt such unique corrective measures.
Most wickets in a day in Tests at Chepauk
17 - IND vs BAN, 2024 (Day 2)
15 - IND vs WI, 1979 (Day 3)
15 - IND vs ENG, 2021 (Day 4)
15 - IND vs ENG, 2021 (Day 2)
India reached 81 for three at stumps in second innings to extend their overall lead to 308 runs against Bangladesh on the second day of the opening Test here on Friday. Shubman Gill (33 not out) and Rishabh Pant (12 not out) were at the crease when the stumps were drawn for the day.
Bangladesh were all out for a paltry 149 in their first innings, giving the hosts a massive first-innings lead of 227 runs.
In reply to India's first-innings total of 376, Bangladesh could survive just 47.1 overs.
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah (4/50) was the most successful bowler for India.
Earlier, India resumed the day on 339/6 and lost all four wickets for the addition of just 37 runs.
Ravichandran Ashwin's incredible knock ended on 113, adding 11 runs to his overnight total, while Ravindra Jadeja fell for 86.
For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud completed his five-wicket haul (5/83) while Taskin Ahmed chipped in with three scalps.