'It was not about runs for us...': Shubman Gill reveals his on-field conversation with Rishabh Pant during 167 run stand against Bangladesh

Indian star batter Shubman Gill, who smashed a century in the first Test match against Bangladesh alongside wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant, revealed that they were trying to dominate the visitors because they wanted to give their bowlers a certain amount of time.

Gill (119 not out) and Pant (109) helped India to score 167 runs for the fourth wicket helped India overnight 81/3, declare their second innings at 287 for 4 for an overall lead of 514. Pant took exactly 629 days to smash a century in the longest format of the game as he was out of action for more than a year due to a near-fatal accident in December 2022. 
 

“We spoke about trying to spend a little bit more time today of the extra moisture in the wicket. But once we played 3-4 overs, then we were trying to dominate because it was not really about runs for us at that point. It was more about how we wanted to give a certain amount of time for our bowlers to bowl,” said Gill in post-match conference. 
 

Gill reckoned that there will be more to come from Pant. “It’s probably going to be a feature for many years to come. Yeah, definitely,” added Gill. 

ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah tops bowling charts, becomes highest wicket-taker of 2024 during IND vs BAN 1st Test

ALSO READ: 'The day he realises that...': Ravi Shastri suggest KL Rahul to come with this mindset

“I have spent a lot of time with him on and off the field. Watching him score his first 50 and his first 100 after his comeback gives me so much pleasure because I have seen him work so hard for it when he was coming back from the injury. I think he also must be feeling really good” stated Gill. 

Bangladesh's ambitious 515-run chase was cut short by fading light on day four. Despite a determined effort, they concluded the day at 158 for four, facing a daunting task of 357 runs to secure a maiden Test win against India at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

MORE ON SPORTS TAK
'It motivated me further to put a price on my wicket..': Shubman Gill reveals what triggered his centurion knock in Chennai Test

Under-fire Shreyas Iyer finally delivers after recording back-to-back ducks in Duleep Trophy 2024, responds in style with quickfire fifty

Rishabh Pant creates history, breaks MS Dhoni's record with century in IND vs BAN 1st Test

'He is not enjoying batting in India...': Ex-India cricketer compares Virat Kohli with Sachin Tendulkar amid poor Test outing vs Bangladesh