Rishabh Pant secured the fastest First-Class century off 48 deliveries against Jharkhand on Tuesday Getty Images (File Photo)
Rishabh Pant secured the fastest First-Class century off 48 deliveries against Jharkhand on Tuesday Getty Images (File Photo)

New Delhi: Former India and Tamil Nadu opener VB Chandrasekhar on Tuesday congratulated Rishabh Pant for breaking record for fastest hundred by an Indian in first class cricket but also reminded in jest that the youngster should not try to repeat the act every time he goes on to bat. Chandrasekhar smashed Rest of India bowlers for a 56-ball-100 for Tamil Nadu in an Irani Cup game back in 1988. That game propelled Chandrasekhar to national reckoning. 19-year-old Pant on Tuesday surpassed Chandrasekhar’s record, hitting a 48-ball hundred against Jharkhand in a Ranji Trophy encounter at Thumba, Kerala. FULL Cricket Update Ranji Trophy 2016-17, Day 2, Round 5

“Congratulations to Rishab Pant. If it has taken 28 years to break the fastest 100 in first class cricket Rishab should be well advised not to try it every time he walks in to bat,” Chandrasekhar told PTI on Tuesday. Chandrasekhar, known to be a flamboyant dasher during his playing days, said that he still can’t believe that it has taken 28 years to break this record in an era where IPL rules roost. ALSO READ: Ranji Trophy 2016-17: Rishabh Pant creates history in First-Class cricket

“A little surprised in this day and age of T20 cricket the record stayed that long,” said Chandrasekhar. Chandrasekhar, who was a national selector a decade back, said that Pant has been much talked about in cricketing circles about his talent and ability to play attacking cricket.

“Saw Rishab bat during the IPL. He was virtually the talking point of players who will play for the country. Extremely happy to see him make the strides. Wishing him consistency and a long career ahead,” Chandrasekhar said.