Rishabh Pant, known for his unique and playful attitude on the cricket field, added a touch of humor and strategy during the Chennai Test against Bangladesh. Pant returned to Test cricket after nearly two years and made an instant impact by scoring a brilliant century, but what caught everyone’s attention was his sudden decision to start setting the fielding for the Bangladesh team while he was at the crease.
Pant’s Unusual Move on the Field
On the third day of the match, Rishabh Pant was batting alongside Shubman Gill. As Taskin Ahmed was getting ready to bowl, Pant did something unusual – he started instructing the Bangladesh captain on field placements. Pant suggested moving a fielder to midwicket, a position that had been left wide open. The stump mic caught Pant’s voice, and fans quickly noticed the video on social media.
Pant’s advice led to an immediate change in the field, with a fielder moving from covers to midwicket, creating a lighthearted moment in an intense Test match. Fans loved seeing Pant in his usual energetic mode, bringing not just his batting skills, but also his playful character to the game.
Ajay Jadeja’s Special Advice to Pant
Pant later explained the incident during an interview with Jio Cinema’s commentary team after the match. When former cricketer Saba Karim asked him why he started setting the field for Bangladesh, Pant revealed that he was inspired by a conversation he had with former Indian all-rounder Ajay Jadeja.
Pant shared that Jadeja often told him that cricket should always be about good play, regardless of whether it’s your own team or the opposition. Jadeja’s philosophy was that if something needs to be corrected for the quality of the game, you should do it, even if it’s for the other side. That advice stuck with Pant, and when he noticed that two Bangladeshi fielders were in the same spot, leaving midwicket open, he took it upon himself to help correct the field placement.
This candid exchange between Pant and Jadeja added a deeper insight into Pant’s thinking and his respect for the game, beyond just his role as a player.
Pant’s Emotional Return to Test Cricket
Apart from his playful antics, Pant’s century in the Chennai Test was a significant personal milestone. After being away from Test cricket for almost two years, Pant admitted that he felt nervous before the match. But once he got on the field, he found his rhythm and played a crucial innings, scoring 109 runs off 128 balls, including 4 sixes and 13 fours.
Pant’s innings not only helped stabilize India after a challenging start but also allowed them to take control of the match. His partnership of 167 runs with Shubman Gill was key to India’s eventual victory. Pant described the century as an “emotional moment” for him, expressing how much it meant to return to the format he loves and to contribute to the team’s success.
