• India remain in a commanding position at the end of Day 3 of the 1st Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.

  • Fans are eagerly waiting to see if India can wrap up the match on Day 4 or if Bangladesh can pull off a miraculous fightback.

Netizens react as Rishabh Pant & Shubman Gill’s tons put India in the driving seat on Day 3 of the 1st Test against Bangladesh
India in driving seat after Day 3 heroics (Image Source: X)

Team India remain in a commanding position at the end of Day 3 of the 1st Test in Chennai, firmly setting their sights on a victory after declaring with a massive lead. After dominating with the bat, courtesy of centuries from young stars, India set a daunting target of 515 for Bangladesh. Despite a resilient start from Bangladesh’s openers, the Indian bowlers struck late in the day to leave the visitors struggling. With two days left in the match, India hold all the aces as they eye a comfortable win.

Blazing centuries from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill

Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill both dazzled on Day 3, putting India in the driver’s seat with their well-paced centuries. Pant, making his return to Test cricket after 637 days, played a more measured knock compared to his usual aggressive style, reaching his sixth Test hundred in 124 deliveries. Gill, on the other hand, brought up his fifth Test century with a composed knock, reaching the milestone in 161 balls. The pair’s partnership helped India pile on the runs and set a mammoth target, leaving Bangladesh under immense pressure.

Bangladesh’s openers fight back

In response, Bangladesh showed resilience at the start of their second innings. The openers, Zakir Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, batted patiently and forged a crucial 50-run stand before tea, giving their team a fighting chance. However, their good start was short-lived as both openers fell in quick succession after the break.

Zakir was dismissed for the second time in the match by Jasprit Bumrah, with Yashasvi Jaiswal pulling off a stunning catch. Following that, Ravichandran Ashwin, who had gone wicketless in the first innings, made a strong comeback, picking up three vital wickets in the final session, further denting Bangladesh’s hopes.

Play ends early due to bad light

As the day neared its close, the lights came on in Chennai, and the umpires had a brief discussion before deciding to call off play due to bad light. Interestingly, Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj humorously mimicked bowling spin, but to no avail, as play was halted for the day.

The only shining light for Bangladesh wa Shanto, who fought back bravely with a well-constructed half-century. Shanto showed impressive footwork and used the sweep shot effectively against both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, offering some resistance to India’s bowlers.

Also WATCH: IND vs BAN 2024 – Rishabh Pant’s quirky coaching marks a hilarious moment in Chennai Test

Rain forecast looms but India push for victory

With rain predicted overnight and into the morning, there is some concern that the weather might affect the outcome. However, India’s bold declaration suggests they are confident of securing a win, regardless of the weather conditions. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if India can wrap up the match on Day 4 or if Bangladesh can pull off a miraculous fightback.

Here is how fans reacted

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Also READ: Fans go wild as Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill hit dazzling centuries as India gain control on Day 3 of the Chennai Test

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