Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 21 (ANI): Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has heaped praise on wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his stellar century, emphasizing the left-hander’s impressive defensive technique, which he likened to that of the legendary former skipper MS Dhoni.

Centuries from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant propelled India to set a daunting 515-run target in the first Test at Chennai. The two emerging batting stars of Indian cricket dismantled the Bangladeshi bowling attack with their aggressive stroke play, maintaining their exceptional form in the longer format of the game.

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar remarked, “Rishabh Pant’s innings might seem like an aggressive onslaught, but if you look closely, you’ll notice he plays as many dot balls as Shubman Gill. This shows his willingness to adopt a defensive approach when needed, much like MS Dhoni. Dhoni was renowned for his leadership and powerful hitting, but his defensive technique was highly underrated. Pant exhibits similar qualities with his sound defensive skills.”

Manjrekar further analyzed Pant’s strategy against off-spinners, noting that Pant was selective in his shot-making. “Pant has a unique approach to scoring runs and follows his own agenda, reminiscent of the legendary opener Virender Sehwag. He adapts to the situation, sometimes driven by his mood but always careful in selecting which bowlers to attack. For instance, against off-spinners, he takes fewer risks. This ability will be crucial when India tours Australia,” he added.

In the match, Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field. India faced an early setback as the top order collapsed, leaving them at 34/3. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (56 off 118 balls with nine boundaries) and Rishabh Pant (39 off 52 balls with six boundaries) stabilized the innings with a crucial 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Following another collapse to 144/6, Ravichandran Ashwin (113 off 133 balls with 11 boundaries and two sixes) and Ravindra Jadeja (86* off 117 balls with 10 boundaries and two sixes) put together a vital 199-run stand, lifting India to a respectable total of 376 in 91.2 overs.

Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 5/83, wreaking havoc on India’s top order by dismissing skipper Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6). Taskin Ahmed supported well, taking three wickets for 55 runs.

Bangladesh’s response in their first innings was marked by regular loss of wickets. Contributions from Shakib Al Hasan (32), Litton Das (22), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (27*) were insufficient as Jasprit Bumrah (4/50) and Akash Deep (2/19) dismantled their batting lineup. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with two wickets each, bundling Bangladesh out for a meager 149 runs, trailing by 227 runs.

In their second innings, India once again saw early wickets fall, struggling at 67/3. However, centuries from Shubman Gill (119*) and Rishabh Pant (109 off 128 balls with 13 boundaries and four sixes) propelled them to 287/4 before declaring the innings. This set Bangladesh an imposing target of 515 runs to chase.

Bangladesh began their chase positively with openers Zakir Hasan (33) and Shadman Islam (35) putting up a solid 62-run opening stand. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (51* off 60 balls with four boundaries and three sixes) anchored the innings as Ravichandran Ashwin (3/63) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/18) made key breakthroughs. At the close of day three, Bangladesh stood at 158/4 with Najmul Hossain Shanto (51*) and Shakib Al Hasan (5*) unbeaten at the crease.