In a thrilling start to the newly minted Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India’s opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul stamped their authority at Headingley with a record-breaking partnership, setting the tone for a gripping first Test against England on June 20, 2025. The duo’s composed and stylish batting underlined that the post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli era is far from a decline for Team India, showcasing a blend of patience, technique, and controlled aggression against a disciplined English bowling attack.
Sent in to bat by England captain Ben Stokes under blue skies and overcast conditions, Jaiswal and Rahul seized the initiative, assembling a formidable 91-run stand for the first wicket. This partnership not only set a solid foundation but also shattered a longstanding Indian record at Headingley, surpassing the 64-run effort by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth from 1986, a record that had stood unchallenged for 39 years.
The opening session saw the Indian openers bat with remarkable discipline. Jaiswal, playing his first Test in England, was untroubled for the majority of the first hour, showcasing fluency and confidence reminiscent of his previous exploits against England, where he amassed over 700 runs in five matches. His technique was on full display as he traded crisp boundaries with Rahul, both players finding their range predominantly through classical off-side strokes. The pair combined for 16 fours before the lunch interval, frustrating the English seamers who struggled to induce an edge or create opportunities.
KL Rahul’s innings was marked by elegant cover drives and measured strokeplay, as he displayed a 'princely touch' during his 42-run knock. However, just seven minutes before lunch, the momentum shifted dramatically. Brydon Carse, exploiting a rare loose delivery, induced an edge from Rahul that was comfortably caught by Joe Root at first slip. This dismissal denied the pair a historic century-plus opening stand at Leeds by a mere nine runs, though they had already set a new high-water mark for Indian openers at this venue.
Following Rahul’s departure, debutant Sai Sudharsan was introduced at number three. Unfortunately for the newcomer, his stay was brief and unremarkable, lasting just four balls before he was caught behind off Ben Stokes for a duck. This double strike on the cusp of lunch tightened the contest and brought England back into the game, leaving India at 92 for 2 at the interval.
England’s desperation for a wicket was evident when they burned a DRS review against Jaiswal in the 13th over. Josh Tongue’s ball pitched well outside leg stump, but the English team’s optimistic appeal and subsequent review reflected their frustration at the openers’ dominance. Former English pacer Jonathan Agnew, commentating during the match, even questioned whether this was among the worst reviews England had ever taken. The crowd’s reaction, with some spilling their beers in disbelief, added to the drama of the moment.
Undeterred, Jaiswal responded emphatically just three balls after the review mishap, unleashing what was widely hailed as the 'shot of the day.' He played a perfectly timed drive, sending the ball whistling along the ground towards the boundary, leaving the English slip cordon scratching their heads. This stroke not only added four vital runs but also sent a clear message that India’s batting lineup was confident and far from rattled despite the absence of former stalwarts.
India’s team selection reflected a cautious approach, packing the side with all-rounders to guard against early collapses. Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was omitted in favor of Shardul Thakur, emphasizing balance and versatility. This strategy was tested early when England’s bowlers, led by Stokes, Woakes, Carse, and Tongue, employed various tactics, including leg-side traps and inswingers, to unsettle the Indian batsmen. However, Jaiswal and Rahul showed remarkable composure, leaving deliveries outside off stump and capitalizing on loose balls, a contrast highlighted by former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar during commentary. Manjrekar praised the openers for their disciplined approach, implicitly contrasting it with Virat Kohli’s earlier struggles against deliveries outside off stump, a weakness that had troubled the former captain throughout much of his Test career.
After lunch, India’s captain Shubman Gill joined Jaiswal at the crease and quickly got into rhythm. The pair rebuilt India’s innings with an unbeaten 123-run stand by tea, propelling the team to 215 for 2. Jaiswal reached his maiden Test century in England, becoming the first Asian opener to achieve this feat at Headingley. Despite battling apparent forearm cramp, he maintained fluency and aggression, carving pacer Josh Tongue high over the deep point for a six and celebrating his hundred with palpable joy. Gill, too, impressed with a brisk 58 not out, marking his fastest fifty in 33 Tests and asserting his authority as the new captain.
The Indian innings was marked by resilience and adaptability, particularly after the early setbacks. Jaiswal’s milestone was a testament to his skill and temperament, while Gill’s counterattacking style provided the perfect balance. England’s bowlers, including spinner Shoaib Bashir, struggled to stem the flow of runs on a pitch that flattened as the day progressed. The hosts’ decision to bowl first, while conventional at Headingley, was challenged by the Indian batsmen’s dominance, with the visitors showing no signs of vulnerability despite the absence of Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Overall, the first day’s play at Headingley was a showcase of emerging Indian talent and strategic acumen, signaling a new era for the team. The opening partnership between Jaiswal and Rahul not only rewrote record books but also silenced critics who doubted India’s batting prowess post the retirement of their former captains. With the innings still unfolding and India firmly in control, the series promises to be a fascinating contest between two cricketing giants.
