WATCH: Rishabh Pant performing 'Puja' of his bat before scoring century against Bangladesh in Chennai

Star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a blistering comeback to Test cricket with a rocking century against Bangladesh in the 1st Test at Chepauk. However, he is making headlines for his pre-game ritual that displayed both his reverence for tradition and his deep connection to his sport. 

Ahead of his innings on the third day, Pant was seen performing a Puja (worship) of his bat, a moment that resonated with fans for its spiritual significance. This simple yet meaningful act preceded one of Pant’s most memorable performances, as he made a remarkable return to Test cricket with a sensational century.

Here is the video:

Rishabh Pant doing Puja of his bat before going to batting 😭🤞🏻pic.twitter.com/gOXL01PR9i

— 𝓱 ¹⁷ 🇮🇳 (@twitfrenzy_) September 21, 2024

Pant, who hadn’t played Test cricket since December 2022, resumed play on Day 3 with India at 205/3, starting from an overnight score of 12 runs. Partnering with Shubman Gill, Pant capitalized on Bangladesh's inability to exploit the cool and damp morning conditions. His innings were a blend of calculated aggression and brilliant shot-making, as he scored 109 runs off 128 balls, hitting 13 boundaries and sending four deliveries soaring for six.

Rishabh Pant joins MS Dhoni!

Pant’s partnership with Gill set a solid foundation for India, with both batters ensuring the team took control of the match. Pant’s century was his fifth in Test cricket, allowing him to match former captain MS Dhoni's tally of Test hundreds, albeit in significantly fewer innings. Notably, Pant achieved the feat in just 58 innings, compared to Dhoni’s 144.

However, Pant’s impressive knock ended when he was caught off the bowling of Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Despite the dismissal, his innings had already put India in a commanding position. India declared their innings at 287/4, setting a target of 515 runs for Bangladesh. At the tea break on Day 3, Bangladesh had managed to score 56 without losing a wicket, but the uphill task lay ahead.