"This guy plays Test cricket the way you play in the colony" - Ajay Jadeja lauds Rishabh Pant's century in IND vs BAN 2024 1st Test
Ajay Jadeja has lauded Rishabh Pant for smashing an aggressive century in India's second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. The former India captain noted that the wicketkeeper-batter plays Test cricket as if he were playing a colony game.
Pant scored 109 runs off 128 deliveries as India declared their second innings at 287/4 on Saturday, September 21. They then reduced Bangladesh to 158/4 in pursuit of a 515-run target by Stumps on the third day.
During a discussion on Colors Cineplex, Jadeja noted that the ease with which Pant plays Test cricket belies his understanding of the game and the responsibility he takes.
"When you see Rishabh Pant, it seems like he is casual and doesn't pay too much attention to his game. But you can see from the way he talks and plays that he is a thinking cricketer. He got injured and was out for close to 600 days but if you remember, before his injury, he was almost next in line to lead India," Jadeja said.
"He takes risks, so you feel at times whether he is responsible or not. I think he is extremely responsible in his game. This one year has probably left him a little behind, people have gone ahead, but he is a guy who takes the entire team along. This guy plays Test cricket the way you play in the colony," the former India opener added.
Jadeja also noted that the left-handed batter possesses unique abilities.
"He plays so honestly and has so much ability that he plays like how a Test player goes and plays a match in some league. Every player wants to play like this in Test cricket but only he is able to do that. That is why all of us love him because he can do what others can't," he elaborated.
Rishabh Pant struck 13 fours and four sixes during his knock. He was dismissed caught and bowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz while attempting another aggressive shot.
"Very few people understand what they can do with their ability" - Ajay Jadeja on Rishabh Pant
![Rishabh Pant is known for taking the attack to the opposition bowlers. [P/C: BCCI]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/09/4c557-17269245221467-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same discussion, Ajay Jadeja praised Rishabh Pant for understanding and stating that he cannot bat like Cheteshwar Pujara or Rahul Dravid.
"The assessment he did that Puji bhai (Cheteshwar Pujara) or Rahul bhai (Dravid) could do this, it's a huge learning. Having ability is one thing but very few people understand what they can do with their ability and what others can do with theirs," he said.
While also praising Shubman Gill for scoring a century, the cricketer-turned-commentator added that Pant's knock gave him more enjoyment.
"How can someone not praise him? You get enjoyment and excitement while watching him play. Everyone scores runs but he has the command that he would play the way he wants. Shubman Gill also scored runs, I admire and respect him but I enjoy this," Jadeja observed.
Gill scored an unbeaten 119 off 176 deliveries. He and Pant stitched together a 167-run partnership after India were reduced to 67/3 on the second day.