Rishabh Pant's Field-setting Decision for Bangladesh Has a Jadeja Connection: 'Who's the Captain - Shanto or You?'

Inspired by the actions of MS Dhoni, who similarly assisted opponents during a World Cup warm-up match in 2019, Rishabh Pant was seen advising Bangladesh's Shanto on field placements during a recent match. Pant's gesture went viral, with many fans questioning his intentions. Following India's victory and Pant's crucial role in the match, he revealed that his decision to assist Bangladesh came from his instincts and a conversation with former Indian player Ajay Jadeja. When questioned by former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim about his actions, Pant humorously replied, "Who is their captain? Shanto or you?" showcasing his light-hearted approach to the game.

"Firstly, I keep talking to Ajay [Jadeja] bhai off the field. He says that 'the quality of cricket should keep improving'. Wherever you are playing and whoever you are playing against. I saw that there was no fielder there (mid-wicket). I saw two fielders at the same area. So I told them to move one fielder to the mid-field position," Pant said after the match while speaking to Jio Cinema.

From a personal point of view, Pant enjoyed a dream comeback to Test cricket after almost 700 days, scoring his 6th Test century and enhancing his place as arguably India's greatest Test wicketkeeper batter of all time. Besides six centuries – one each in all SENA nations barring New Zealand – Pant has six scores of 90-plus, to go with his immortal knock of unbeaten 89 at the Gabba.

From 34 Tests, Pant boasts an average of 44.79 for someone who bats at No. 6, and having already made a return to ODI and T20Is squads, making a successful comeback in Tests was right up in his priority list. More importantly, Pant peeling off runs bodes well for him as he and India prepare for a five-Test tour of Australia in two months' time.

"The 100 was special because I love playing in Chennai. After injury I wanted to play all three formats and this was my first Test. Hope to get better every day. It was emotional, I wanted to score each and every match which didn't happen but wanted to do well in Tests, which is where I belong the most. Being on the field gives me pleasure more than anything else. I am always nervous before matches, even after hitting a hundred. And this time I was playing after two years, so nervousness there," he added.