Star Indian wicketkeeper-battler Rishabh Pant said that he had anxiety during his first-ever Test century in Chennai on Sunday against Bangladesh. Pant pushed, however, saying that he scored the record-tying sixth Test century because of the fire inside him.

Pant had a potentially fatal automobile accident in December 2022, but since then, his comeback to Test cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. Chennai saw the much-awaited return of the man. His well-timed defensive and attacking strokes during his 109-run second inning caught the Bangladeshi bowlers off guard.

Pant said that on his return, he had anxiety. “I believe I was somewhat anxious. In a video that BCCI released on X, Pant said, “I was very nervous, but you know there was some fire inside that wanted to make it happen, and eventually, I did it, and I’m happy.”

Pant’s first-inning performance of 39 runs did not live up to his expectations, but he made up for it in the second inning by forming an important partnership with opener Shubman Gill that saw them score 167 runs together.

Pant was full of praise for his collaboration with Gill, attributing their success in the middle to their friendship off the field. “Batting with that man certainly helps when you have a terrific connection with him off the field. We were only chatting, enjoying ourselves, discussing the game, and being laid back. Ultimately, we both recognized what we intended to accomplish.”

“My sense of the game is that, no matter where you play, cricket should become better. I was only attempting to assist the team by setting up a fielder here, and it worked well. Actually, I had fun with that,” Pant grinned.

With Pant’s spectacular performance and Gill’s cool-headed knock, India won by a huge 280 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

In addition to his incredible 109-run knock, Pant gained notoriety for a humorous remark captured on the stump mic that had spectators and pundits in stitches.

On the third day of the Test, Pant was overheard teasingly giving the opposition field placement instructions when Bangladeshi skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto made adjustments during India’s second innings. “Oh brother, this is where one fielder should come,” said the speaker. During the second inning, Pant remarked, “One on midwicket.”

India will try to win the series in the second and final Test, which starts on Friday in Kanpur, with the momentum solidly in their favor.