On the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Team India was already comfortably ahead with a lead exceeding 300 runs. The initial indications were that the declaration was imminent, particularly as Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill were ramping up their scoring rate towards the end of the first session. However, the situation took an intriguing turn during the lunch break when both batsmen were approaching their respective centuries. Adding a blend of urgency and humor to the proceedings, skipper Rohit Sharma delivered an indirect yet hilarious message to his teammates, which ultimately saw a flurry of runs post-lunch.
As the teams broke for lunch, both Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill found themselves in the 80s. During the interval, Rohit Sharma clarified his plans, indicating that the declaration would occur an hour after lunch. His instructions were explicit yet humorous: he encouraged the batsmen to score whatever they could within that time frame, essentially giving them the freedom to accelerate their innings. Reflecting on this period after the match, Pant disclosed the conversation while speaking to the host broadcaster. When asked why he had picked up the pace, he shared, “When we went for lunch, plans of declaring were being discussed. Rohit bhai said we would declare after an hour, so anyone who wanted to score runs should do so quickly. This mindset prompted me to speed up, thinking maybe I could even reach 150.”
Rohit’s indirect yet clear directive had the desired impact. Post-lunch, both Pant and Gill scored briskly and reached their coveted centuries. KL Rahul, who joined them later, utilized this opportunity to gain some much-needed game time. He remained unbeaten on 22 off 19 deliveries, peppered with four boundaries. The aggressive batting not only solidified India’s already dominant position but also showcased the depth of talent in the squad.
In his post-match remarks, Rohit Sharma took a moment to applaud Rishabh Pant’s impactful return to the Test format. Pant had been through challenging times over the preceding 18 months, including an extended period of recovery.
. However, he made an inspiring comeback, marked by significant performances in the IPL and later in a very successful World Cup campaign. Sharma emphasized the team’s belief in Pant’s abilities both as a batsman and a wicketkeeper. “He’s been through some really tough times. The way he has managed himself through those tough times was superb to watch. He came back in the IPL, followed by a very successful World Cup and this is the format he loves the most. For us, it was never about what he would do with the bat—we always knew what he had with the bat and with the gloves as well,” Rohit said.
Rohit also highlighted the importance of giving Pant sufficient game time, which had been a focal point for the team management. He commended Pant for preparing diligently for this Test match by playing in the Duleep Trophy, which enabled him to hit the ground running. “It was just about giving him the game time. Credit to him as well; he went on to play the Duleep Trophy and got ready for this Test match and had an impact straightaway in the game,” Rohit added.
This approach underscores a critical aspect of successful team management—ensuring that returning players have enough opportunities to regain their form and build their confidence. With Pant and Gill both firing on all cylinders, the strategic flexibility provided by such in-form players is invaluable for the team’s broader objectives.
India’s commanding position in the Test match was further reinforced by dynamic and fast-paced batting in the post-lunch session. Not only did this strategy pay off in terms of runs, but it also set a psychological benchmark for the opposition. The flurry of boundaries and high strike rates added an element of urgency for the Bangladeshi team as they prepared to bat again.
In summary, Rohit Sharma’s insightful and humorous lunchtime message spurred Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill to seize the moment and reach their individual milestones, in turn adding a substantial amount of runs to the team’s already imposing total. Pant’s quick thinking and adaptable mindset played a significant role in this, further emphasizing the strategic depth and versatility within the Indian squad.
