Rishabh Pant etched his name into cricketing history on June 23, 2025, with a stellar performance during the first Test between India and England at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds. The Indian vice-captain became the first Indian batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test match on English soil, a feat achieved only by a select few in cricket's long and storied history.
Pant's day was nothing short of spectacular. After an impressive first innings score of 134 runs off 178 balls, punctuated with audacious strokes and a memorable somersault celebration, he returned to the crease with the determination to continue his dominance. On Day 4, Pant compiled a masterful 118 runs off just 140 deliveries, including 15 fours and three sixes, before eventually being dismissed by Shoaib Bashir caught at cow corner in the 72nd over. This knock marked his seventh Test century, setting a record for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman.
Former India captain and cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar, who had previously criticized Pant with the infamous "stupid, stupid, stupid" remark during a prior dismissal in Australia, was now all praise. As Pant approached his second century, Gavaskar was seen animatedly gesturing from the commentary box balcony, urging the young star to replicate his iconic somersault celebration from the first innings. Pant cheekily responded with a nod and a hand gesture, promising to perform the flip later, and instead delivered a playful "finger-eye" celebration inspired by former England footballer Dele Alli's viral 2018 gesture.
This heartwarming exchange between the two cricketers captured the imagination of fans worldwide, showcasing Pant's growth and the mending of a once critical relationship. Gavaskar's shift in tone was evident as he applauded Pant's innings with enthusiastic "superb, superb, superb" praises, a stark contrast to his earlier criticism.
The match itself was a thrilling contest of skill and resilience. Earlier in the innings, India opener KL Rahul brought up his ninth Test century off 202 balls, including 13 boundaries, marking his third century on English soil. Rahul and Pant formed a formidable 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket, consuming 283 balls and significantly bolstering India's position. At tea on Day 4, India stood at 298/4 in their second innings, extending their lead to 304 runs, setting a daunting target for England.
England's response in the first innings was notable as well. Ollie Pope reached his ninth Test century, while Harry Brook narrowly missed out on a century, dismissed for 99. However, India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah shone brightly, claiming a five-wicket haul that restricted England to 465 runs—just six runs short of India's first innings total, underscoring the intensity of the battle.
The second innings saw early setbacks for India with the dismissals of Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Shubman Gill for low scores while the team was still under 100. Yet, the steady presence of Rahul and Pant ensured India remained in control, aiming to set a target beyond England's reach on the final day.
Pant's achievement is historic on multiple fronts. He became only the second wicketkeeper in Test cricket history, after Zimbabwe's Andy Flower, to score centuries in both innings of a Test match. Flower's feat came in 2001 when he scored 142 and an unbeaten 199 against South Africa. Pant's twin centuries place him in an elite group of Indian cricketers who have scored two hundreds in the same Test, including legends like Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar (who achieved the feat thrice), Rahul Dravid (twice), Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rohit Sharma.
This landmark performance not only highlights Pant's burgeoning stature in international cricket but also signals a promising future for Indian cricket, especially in the wicketkeeper-batsman role. His fearless stroke play and ability to perform under pressure have become invaluable assets for the team.
Despite Pant’s dismissal before the tea break, KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 120, reinforcing India's stronghold as the match progressed. The partnership and individual brilliance from both players have set the stage for an enthralling final day at Headingley, with India looking to set an imposing target for England to chase.
As the cricketing world watches eagerly, the ongoing contest promises more drama and high-quality cricket. Pant's twin centuries have already secured his place in the annals of cricket history, but the battle at Headingley is far from over, with both teams vying for supremacy in this gripping Test match.
In the backdrop of this thrilling encounter, the camaraderie and mutual respect displayed between Pant and Gavaskar add a human touch to the sport, reminding fans of the evolving narratives that make cricket so compelling.
