As the second Test match between India and Bangladesh resumed in Kanpur after an unexpected hiatus caused by unfavorable weather conditions, all eyes were on Mominul Haque. The only Bangladesh batter who seemed capable of weathering the Indian bowling storm, Mominul took to the crease with an air of determination and resilience. Resuming his innings unbeaten at 40 runs, Mominul became the beacon of hope for his team, eventually notching up his 13th Test century—a first against India—and guiding Bangladesh past the 200-run mark.
Despite the dramatic narrative crafted by Mominul’s prowess, the highlight of the day was owned by India’s wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Known for his sharp wit and one-liners from behind the stumps, Pant managed to steal the limelight with a remark that sent legendary cricketer and current commentator Sunil Gavaskar into a fit of laughter.
During one of the overs bowled by experienced all-rounder R Ashwin, Pant’s voice was caught on the stump mic saying, “Helmet se ek LBW le sakte hain bhai (We can get an LBW off the helmet as well).” The statement was more than just a light-hearted jest; it was a nod to Mominul’s shorter stature, implying that an LBW decision could be possible even if the ball were to hit the helmet. Gavaskar, who himself is of diminutive stature, found the comment particularly amusing and mentioned that it could very well apply to him too.
The moment was met with widespread amusement, quickly becoming a viral sensation, as fans and cricket aficionados shared the clip of Gavaskar’s uninhibited laughter. This incident served as yet another testament to Pant’s growing reputation for utilizing his sharp tongue as effectively as his gloves behind the wickets.
On the field, the Indian team had a clear objective in mind. With Bangladesh having resumed their innings at 107/3, the Indian bowlers showed no mercy. Led by the steely determination of Jasprit Bumrah, who managed to pick up three crucial wickets, Bangladesh’s lower order crumbled rapidly.
. Bumrah’s precise deliveries, coupled with the disciplined bowling from Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and R Ashwin—who each claimed two wickets apiece—ensured that Bangladesh was bowled out for 233.
Despite Mominul Haque’s valiant effort and unbeaten 107, the rest of his team failed to provide the necessary support, leaving Bangladesh struggling to put up a formidable total. India, buoyed by their bowling performance, would now aim to approach their next innings with an aggressive and positive mindset in a bid to secure a result, a possibility that seemed improbable yet within the realm of ambition.
Beyond the field, the Indian Premier League (IPL) retained its grip on cricket conversations. Speculations around team rosters for the 2025 season were in full swing, with discussions centered on key players such as KL Rahul, who was being analyzed for potential retention by the Lucknow Super Giants. Alongside the ongoing Test, cricket history was being rewritten—India set a new world record by registering the fastest team fifty in Test cricket history, adding another feather to their illustrious cap.
Additionally, noteworthy achievements by other Indian cricketers found their way into the limelight. Ravindra Jadeja’s latest milestone saw him joining the elite ranks of Ravi Ashwin and Kapil Dev, two of India’s most venerated all-rounders.
As the cricketing drama unfolded in Kanpur, one thing remained clear: the sport had not just spectators in the stands but millions following every update from around the world. Every ball bowled, each stroke played, and every quip over the mic contributed to a vast tapestry of moments, compelling stories that transcended the boundaries of the pitch.
Looking ahead, India’s focus would remain sharply on the task at hand, driven by a collective ambition to convert their displayed potential into concrete results. Although rain and a poorly drained outfield had initially dampened the pace of play, the fervor and passion that define Test cricket remained unyielded. With talents like Rishabh Pant providing moments of levity and skill, the remainder of the Test series promised to deliver yet another chapter of riveting cricket narrative.
