Rishabh Pant lit up Headingley on Day 2 of the first Test against England with a blistering century, once again showing why he’s one of India’s most exciting wicketkeeper-batters ever. Coming out at number five, Pant turned the game around with his fearless stroke play and sharp shot selection. His quick scoring not only laid the foundation of a big total but also put England’s bowlers on the back foot as he dominated the session with ease.
Rishabh Pant surpasses MS Dhoni’s legendary record during Day 2 at Headingley
Beyond the fireworks, this knock held deeper significance. With this century, Pant broke a long-standing record held by legendary MS Dhoni, becoming the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test hundreds. Dhoni, known for his calm and calculated style, had scored six centuries in the longest format of the game across 90 Tests. In contrast, the 27-year-old Pant now has seven Test hundreds to his name in just 44 matches, highlighting the remarkable pace at which he’s rewritten history. Notably, the list is now headed by Pant, followed by Dhoni, and third on the list is Wriddhiman Saha with 3 centuries to his name
Most hundreds by an Indian Wicketkeeper batter in Tests
- Rishabh Pant – 7* (44 matches)
- MS Dhoni – 6 (90 Matches)
- Wriddhiman Saha – 3 (40 Matches)
Also READ: Netizens go crazy as Rishabh Pant hits a fabulous hundred on Day 2 of ENG vs IND Leeds Test
India collapse post-lunch in Headingley as England seize momentum
In the opening Test of this high-voltage series, India got off to an impressive start on Day 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Shubman Gill stitched together a solid partnership at the top, setting a strong platform for a commanding total. Their composed approach against the new ball was followed by a counter-attacking masterclass from Pant, who walked in and took control with his trademark aggressive style. Scoring freely all around the park, Pant punished both pace and spin, showcasing his signature reverse sweeps and audacious strokes. His innings of 134 from 178 balls was a statement of intent, fearless, calculated, and entertaining. However, his innings was cut short when Josh Tongue trapped him lbw. At that point, India stood tall at 430/3 and looked on course for a score well above 500. But what followed was a shocking collapse, one that changed the momentum completely.
After Pant’s dismissal, India dramatically lost their way. The visitors went from 430 for 3 to being all out for 471, losing their last seven wickets for just 41 runs. England’s bowlers exploited the overcast conditions post-lunch with greater discipline and movement off the pitch. The surface at Headingley began to offer subtle signs of seam and bounce, encouraging the likes of Tongue and Ben Stokes to hit fuller lengths and test the middle and lower order. Despite the lack of a consistent threat earlier in the day, England clawed their way back with clever field placements and relentless probing lines.
Also WATCH: KL Rahul’s folded hands gesture goes viral after Rishabh Pant’s heroics with bat on Day 1 of Headingley Test
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