During India’s commanding performance against Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai, Shubman Gill revealed an amusing story about his on-field interaction with teammate Rishabh Pant. While both were in the middle of a crucial 167-run partnership, Pant’s enthusiasm became a point of concern for Gill, not because of the intensity of the game, but due to Pant’s habit of exuberantly celebrating every boundary and milestone.
Gill, who had been using an old bat from his previous series against England, was worried about the bat’s condition. Pant, in his usual high-energy style, would rush over to Gill after every boundary, eager to tap bats in celebration. However, the force with which Pant was tapping started to make Gill anxious. At one point, Gill jokingly asked Pant to calm down, concerned that his precious old bat might break under the force of Pant’s celebratory knocks.
Gill later shared this light-hearted moment in a post-match press conference, laughing as he recalled telling Pant, “Bro, calm down!” He explained that Pant was so excited that he kept insisting on repeating the bat taps, even when the connection wasn’t quite perfect. The incident had the press room in stitches, showing the bond and camaraderie between the two young players.
This partnership between Gill and Pant played a significant role in India’s commanding position in the match. Both players scored centuries, with Gill hitting 127 and Pant notching 113. Their efforts helped India set a massive target for Bangladesh, who were left needing over 350 runs with just six wickets in hand at the close of Day 3.
This playful moment between Gill and Pant came as a testament to their strong friendship, both on and off the field. Gill also mentioned how much he admired Pant’s resilience, as this was Pant’s first Test hundred after his return from a nearly two-year hiatus following a life-threatening accident in 2022. Pant’s journey back into the Indian squad has been filled with challenges, but his determination and hard work have earned him praise from teammates and fans alike.
Beyond the lighthearted banter, Gill reflected on his personal form as well. His innings of 127, combined with his solid performances in the England series earlier in the year, have cemented his position at No. 3 in India’s Test lineup. His century in Chennai was particularly meaningful after a string of low scores in earlier matches at this position. He shared how his success against England had given him confidence, motivating him to spend more time at the crease and make every wicket count.
While India remains in a dominant position against Bangladesh, with only six more wickets needed to seal the victory, moments like these between Gill and Pant are reminders of the joy and spontaneity that cricket can bring, even in high-stakes situations. It’s this blend of intense competition and light-hearted camaraderie that makes the sport so beloved by fans around the world.
As for Pant, this century marks a significant milestone in his comeback. After enduring a tough period of recovery, his century was a powerful statement of his ability to return to his best form. For Gill, it was a moment of joy watching his friend achieve such a feat after all the hard work and struggles Pant had gone through during his recovery phase.
In conclusion, the hilarious exchange between Gill and Pant highlights not just the lighter side of cricket, but also the deep bond shared by the players. These moments of humor and support are what make cricket more than just a game—it’s about relationships, growth, and finding joy even in the pressure of international competition.