Mumbai’s third Test match: Ticket prices remain steady as India squares off against New Zealand.

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batter, made a sensational return to Test cricket, dazzling fans and critics alike with his extraordinary stroke-play that led to his sixth century in the format.

Pant entered the crease in the 20th over when India was teetering at 67/3, having lost both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for low scores. Despite India holding a lead of nearly 300 runs, they needed to set an imposing target for Bangladesh to secure a comfortable win.

In this high-pressure scenario, Pant demonstrated remarkable maturity, navigating the challenge alongside Shubman Gill. He remained composed through the tense final overs of Day 2, carefully avoiding risky shots and focusing on solidifying India’s position. This strategic approach continued into the first hour of Day 3, where Pant’s exceptional composure was on full display.

Pant capitalized on loose deliveries, converting them into boundaries while abstaining from his usual aggressive stroke-play. This tactical restraint made it increasingly difficult for the Bangladesh bowlers to dislodge him from the crease. His half-century came off 88 balls—a slower pace than typical for the aggressive batter—underscoring the maturity and adaptability he brought with his return.

As the batting conditions eased, both Pant and Gill shifted gears, with boundaries starting to flow more freely. This sudden shift in batting dynamics further pressured the Bangladesh bowling attack, amplifying their struggles.

Pant’s triumphant return was crowned with a century off just 124 balls, significantly bolstering India’s lead to nearly 500 runs. This century marked Pant’s sixth in Test cricket, equating him with former captain MS Dhoni for the most centuries scored by an Indian wicketkeeper in the format. While Dhoni achieved this milestone over 90 Tests in his illustrious career, Pant matched it in just 34 appearances.

Pant was eventually dismissed by Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz on 109. Thanks to the stellar centuries by both Pant and Gill, India declared their innings at 287/4, setting an imposing target of 515 runs for the visitors.

This historic performance not only highlights Pant’s individual brilliance but also reflects India’s strategic acumen in Test cricket, as they aim to maintain their dominance on the global stage.