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The first Test match between India and Bangladesh in Chennai witnessed a spectacular performance from Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who smashed a dazzling century in the second innings to propel his team towards a dominant victory. Pant's aggressive 128-ball 109, coupled with Shubman Gill's unbeaten 119, helped India set a massive 515-run target for Bangladesh in the fourth innings, a target that proved insurmountable for the visitors.
Pant's knock was particularly remarkable considering his return to the longest format after recovering from a serious car accident. He began the day cautiously but gradually found his rhythm, taking apart the Bangladesh bowlers with a series of powerful strokes. His innings showcased his exceptional talent and ability to adapt to different situations, reminding everyone of his immense potential.
The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, played a crucial role in Pant's successful innings. At lunch break on Day 3, he reportedly told Pant and Gill to go for the runs and score as many as they could in the next hour. This instruction ignited a fire in Pant, who aimed for a 150-plus score. While he missed out on that target, his impactful contribution was instrumental in setting up India's victory.
Following the batting onslaught by Pant and Gill, India's spin duo, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, wreaked havoc in the fourth innings. Ashwin, the Player of the Match, bagged a six-wicket haul, while Jadeja claimed three wickets, as Bangladesh succumbed to 234 all out in the chase. The Indian bowlers displayed remarkable control and discipline, wrapping up the game inside 10 sessions and securing a comprehensive 280-run victory.
This win marks a strong start for India in the two-Test series against Bangladesh. The team's performance was a testament to their depth and ability to perform across all departments. Pant's return to form is a significant boost for the team, while the continued excellence of Ashwin and Jadeja solidifies their positions as key players in the Indian team's success.