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Xtra Time Web Desk: Rishabh Pant’s childhood coach, Devender Sharma, was overjoyed on Saturday as his student marked a triumphant return to Test cricket with a brilliant century in the second innings of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh. Pant’s 109 was his first century since recovering from a serious road accident in December 2022, and his coach compared it to his iconic 109 in the Gabba victory over Australia in 2021.

Pant’s sixth Test century came after a stellar performance in the second innings, following a crucial 39 in the first. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 13 boundaries and four sixes, helping India set a daunting target of 515 for Bangladesh. Pant's emotional celebration after reaching three figures reflected the significance of this milestone.

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Speaking to PTI, Devender Sharma said, "This hundred is an important innings for him as it's his first international ton since comeback... This knock will be right up there.”

Pant’s century also saw him equal MS Dhoni's record for the most hundreds by an Indian wicketkeeper in Test cricket. He, alongside Shubman Gill, who also scored a century, helped extend India’s dominance in the match. Ravichandran Ashwin’s hundred and Ravindra Jadeja’s 86 had earlier rescued India from 144/6, setting the stage for a massive 280-run win.

Bangladesh managed only 149 in their first innings, crumbling under India’s disciplined bowling, as the hosts seized control of the two-match series.

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IND vs BAN: Shubman Gill’s century leads India’s charge, surpasses Babar Azam in century race