Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill, two of India’s brightest cricketing stars, lit up Day 3 of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh with scintillating centuries. Their brilliant performances completely overwhelmed the Bangladesh bowling attack, helping India seize control of the match after an early wobble. Fans in the stadium and across social media erupted as both players showcased their skill and composure to lead India to a commanding position.

Rishabh Pant Marks Triumphant Return to Test Cricket

Notably, the match marked a remarkable return to Test cricket for Pant, who was playing his first match after 637 days. His sixth century in the format was a statement of intent, as he played with maturity and flair. Pant came to the crease during a crucial moment in India’s second innings, after the dismissal of Virat Kohli for just 17 runs.

Pant initially showed great restraint, focusing on building a partnership with Gill through the tense final overs of the second day. On Day 3, Pant continued to bat with uncharacteristic patience, taking 88 balls to reach his half-century. However, once he found his rhythm, Pant began to attack, punishing the Bangladesh bowlers with a series of boundaries. His century came in 124 deliveries, and his celebration was one of pure emotion as he equalled MS Dhoni for the most centuries (six) by an Indian wicketkeeper in Test cricket.

Shubman Gill’s Composed Knock Anchors India’s Innings

At the other end, Gill played a similarly crucial role, offering stability and then transitioning to an attacking mindset as the innings progressed. Gill’s century was his fifth in the longest format, and like Pant, he adjusted his game according to the situation. Gill took 161 balls to reach his century, showcasing excellent technique and temperament against a tiring Bangladesh bowling lineup. Together, Pant and Gill’s partnership not only rescued India but also put them in a dominant position as the duo built a formidable lead.

Also WATCH: IND vs BAN – Rishabh Pant’s hits a spectacular one-handed six off Mehidy Hasan Miraz on Day 3 of the first Test

Fans applaud Pant and Gill’s Heroics

Cricket fans across the world were quick to shower praise on both players for their outstanding efforts. Social media was buzzing with excitement as Pant and Gill’s centuries sent Indian fans into a frenzy. Their partnership not only entertained but also reassured supporters that India was firmly in control of the Test match.

Here is how fans reacted:

The man who will make you fall in love with Test cricket again.
The man who will entertain and ensure that there’s never a dull moment when he’s batting.
Rishabh Pant is back. Back to where he belongs. Owning the 22 yards the way only he can. Well deserved 100. 👏👏 #IndvBan

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 21, 2024

Was an enigma for me to begin with, but once clearly understood, have realised that Risabh Pant is a rare gem!
Hail the Indian grass root system that produced him👏👏#INDvBAN

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 21, 2024

Test hundred number 5 of many more to come. He’s making that important no.3 spot his own. Augurs well for India at the start of a long test season. Well played @ShubmanGill 👏🏻 #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/6Gj46hE4JE

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 21, 2024

History at Chepauk…!!!!

RISHABH PANT EQUALS MS DHONI FOR MOST TEST HUNDREDS AS INDIAN WK BATTER 🤯 pic.twitter.com/DexQyzTbcM

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 21, 2024

🚨12 INTERNATIONAL CENTURIES BY SHUBMAN GILL AT THE AGE OF 26. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/moCEI2gvsq

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 21, 2024

Brilliant 100s by both Gill & Pant. What a return for Pant in his favourite format. By far India’s greatest WK batsman in red ball cricket. Ihad doubted Shubman but need to applaud him. Looked in full control. Brilliant from our Gabba heroes. Looking forward to the declaration. pic.twitter.com/tRvzdBn01d

— Aadvik⁴⁵ (@208_off_153) September 21, 2024

Beautiful Saturday morning! Pant ton, Gill ton, India’s lead mounting over 480…couldn’t have asked for more. The way Pant has come back..it has given me goosebumps. My best wishes are with him. #INDvBAN

— Chandan (@Chandan3) September 21, 2024

Rishabh Pant has same number of centuries as MS Dhoni in Test cricket. Dhoni took 144 innings while Pant did the same in just 58 innings but wait that’s not the most Shocking thing, the most shocking thing is while MS Dhoni had no overseas century, Pant has 4 overseas centuries.… pic.twitter.com/m7MePZjJMm

— EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) September 21, 2024

Century for both Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill😭❤️ congrats to both✨️ What a dayy!!! What a comeback. pic.twitter.com/3iJ5MZOd94

— Manya 🙂 (@maannyaaa) September 21, 2024

– 6 Hundreds in ODIs.
– 5 Hundreds in Tests.
– 1 Hundred in T20I.

Shubman Gill now has 12 Hundreds in International Cricket at the age of 25 – The Prince of World Cricket. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/BP2h5RjeEb

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) September 21, 2024

Shubman Gill raises the b̶a̶r̶ 𝗯𝗮𝘁 yet again! 🤩💯#AavaDe | #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/SEdHqNFwQ8

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) September 21, 2024

Shubman Gill has now scored 11 hundreds in international cricket 🇮🇳🔥

Ane he’s just 25 years old. What a talent ❤️#INDvBAN #tapmad #DontStopStreaming pic.twitter.com/5LFKfvuZjF

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) September 21, 2024

Top knocks by both Rishabh Pant & Shubhman Gill!

— 𝐓𝐞𝐣𝐚𝐬 (@Tejasphere) September 21, 2024

Gill, Pant and Jaiswal will be the top run getters in upcoming BGT, all three will be crucial for India to compete down under #INDvBAN

— SUBRATO CHAND (@imsubu91) September 21, 2024

The next generation takes over… #Pant & #Gill..
Excellent centuries by both of them… #IndvsBan pic.twitter.com/8qeWluhGbK

— Rayalaseema Chinnodu (@screwtequila) September 21, 2024

It is heartening to see this picture that the future of Indian cricket is very bright. ❤️🔥

After a long comeback, Shubhaman Gill and Rishabh Pant both scored their 6th test century. 💪

Both of them deserve congratulations, best wishes. #INDvBAN #RishabhPant #WTC25… pic.twitter.com/hGs9MbFwMu

— Vishal Pandey (@Vishal_aawaj) September 21, 2024

Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant were batting together for the 1st time in international cricket in this innings 🤯

And both scored hundreds 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6pIKbz03uV

— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) September 21, 2024

Playing first time together and made 150+ partnership is not a joke

Future is safe hand ✅#IndVsBan #Gill #Pant #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/nFgS78t5wC

— Cric Talks (@itznikhil_18) September 21, 2024

Since 2011, Two batters scoring 💯s for India in 2nd innings in Tests

Rahul & Pant at The Oval 2018
Gill & Pujara at Chattogram 2022
Gill & Pant at Chennai 2024#INDvBAN

— Rohit Yadav (@cricrohit) September 21, 2024

woke up to pant and gill scoring a century what a dayyyyy

— NAIK (@naikingblue) September 21, 2024

Outstanding Century by Pant & Gill#RishabhPant #ShubmanGill #IndVsBan #INDvBAN

— RN SINGH (@RajatNarayanSi5) September 21, 2024

Gill and Pant the future Indian captains leading the charge.

— Sam🇮🇳 (@Im_samps18) September 21, 2024

Also READ: IND vs BAN: Fans react as Virat Kohli opts not to review umpire’s decision despite being not-out on Day 2 of the 1st Test

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