India tightened their grip on the opening Test against Bangladesh on Saturday, stretching their lead to 432 runs by lunch on day three at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Shubman Gill (86*) and Rishabh Pant (82*) effectively batted Bangladesh out of the contest with an unbroken 138-run partnership for the fourth wicket, guiding India to 205-3 in their second innings.
The hosts dominated after dismissing Bangladesh for 149, securing a 227-run first-innings lead in a bowler-friendly contest. Despite a shaky start in the second innings, Gill and Pant counter-attacked to put India on course for a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.
Gill signalled India’s intent early, smashing two sixes off Mehidy Hasan Miraz to reach his half-century. Pant, playing his first Test since a serious car accident in late 2022, took a more patient approach, reaching his fifty with a single off the same bowler. Bangladesh missed a key chance to break the stand when skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto dropped Pant on 72, and the left-hander capitalised by hitting Shakib Al Hasan for back-to-back boundaries.
India’s overnight score of 81-3 swelled as Gill and Pant took on the Bangladesh bowlers in contrasting styles. Gill played with minimal flourish but efficiency, while Pant’s aggressive shot-making thrilled the crowd. Pant’s inventive six off Mahmud scooped over fine leg, was one of the highlights of the session. The pair added 124 runs in the morning session, taking India closer to a commanding victory.