The Headingley cricket ground in Leeds witnessed a batting masterclass from Team India on Day 1 of the first Test against the hosts England. Young guns Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill lit up the stadium with their respective centuries, stamping their authority over English bowling attack. With the tons, the duo have added their names to an illustrious list of Indian batters, who have managed to smash a hundred at Headingley. The list includes some prominent Indian cricketers such as Vijay Manjrekar and Sachin Tendulkar etc.
Over the years, Leeds has seen some remarkable performances from Indian batters. While the ground is traditionally known for favouring swing and seam, some Indian stars have tamed these conditions to script memorable centuries. With Jaiswal and Gill joining the elite list in 2025, let’s have a look at such Indian batters who have brought up three figures at this historic venue.
Indian batters to score a Test century at Headingley
Vijay Manjrekar – 133 (1952)
Manjrekar stood out as a rare talent against pace bowling during a time when India had few specialists in that area. He made his Test debut in the 1951-52 series against England in Calcutta, and quickly made a mark by scoring 133 in his first Test appearance on English soil at Headingley in June 1952, at the age of just 20. Walking in with India struggling at 42 for 3 on the opening day, he played a crucial role alongside Hazare, adding 222 runs for the fourth wicket—a partnership that still remains the highest between India and England in Tests. Much like many of India’s top batters, Manjrekar was short in stature but excelled at playing the cut and hook shots with precision.
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi – 148 (1967)
Scoring runs with impaired vision is tough even on easy pitches, and Pataudi, who lost sight in his right eye due to a car accident six years earlier, scored 148 on a difficult surface speaks volumes of his class and courage. In a rain-hit summer with several teammates injured, his century stood out as one of the most inspiring in cricket history. India had been bowled out for 164 in the first innings—Pataudi scored 64 there too—and were 386 runs behind. But his second-innings brilliance helped India avoid an innings defeat.
Dilip Vengsarkar – 102 (1986)
A batter’s true skill is tested on challenging pitches, and Vengsarkar rose to the occasion during India’s 1986 tour of England. After scoring a century earlier in the series, it was his composed knock in the second innings at Headingley that truly stood out. In a match dominated by bowlers—India managed 272 and England were bowled out for 102—Vengsarkar had already top-scored with 61 in the first innings. Coming in at number four in the second innings, he anchored the batting despite constant wickets falling at the other end. His unbeaten 102 off 216 deliveries, laced with 10 boundaries, showcased his grit and class. Vengsarkar’s effort almost single-handedly gave India a commanding lead and remains one of his finest overseas performances.
Also READ: Indian batters who scored a century on Test captaincy debut ft. Shubman Gill
Triple delight in 2002: Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar script history
Over two decades ago, India recorded a famous Test win at Leeds, thrashing England by an innings and 46 runs after piling up 628/8 declared—powered by centuries from Dravid (148), Tendulkar (193), and Ganguly (128). Despite early trouble when Virender Sehwag fell quickly, Dravid and Sanjay Bangar steadied the innings with a 170-run stand. Dravid’s fluent strokeplay and Bangar’s resilience set the tone. Dravid then added 150 with Tendulkar, who went on to build a dominant 249-run partnership with an aggressive Ganguly. India declared early on Day 3, and with such a commanding total, there was little doubt about the result. The win remains one of India’s greatest overseas Test triumphs.
Gen Z takes charge at Headingley: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant carve their names in history books
In 2025, the historic Headingley ground witnessed a fresh chapter in Indian cricket as two of the country’s brightest young stars, Jaiswal and Gill, delivered standout centuries in testing English conditions. Their innings not only helped India seize control of the match but also continued the legacy of Indian batting brilliance at this iconic venue.
Jaiswal displayed a fine mix of aggression and composure. The left-hander, known for his attacking instinct, curbed his natural game just enough to adapt to the swing and seam on offer. Yet, whenever the bowlers erred in length, he was quick to put them away. His knock of 101 was marked by crisp drives, calculated risks, and an unflappable temperament. Skipper Gill took command with a composed and classy innings. Never looking rushed or troubled, Gill settled in with graceful timing and sharp game awareness. As the innings progressed, he shifted gears effortlessly, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. He smashed 147 before getting dismissed by Shoaib Bashir.
On the second day, Rishabh Pant too registered his name in record books as he smashed a tremendous century. The vice-captain rose to the occasion in vintage style, bringing up his hundred with a one-handed six off Bashir. He was eventually dismissed for 134 runs.
Also READ: Netizens go crazy as Rishabh Pant hits a fabulous century on Day 2 of ENG vs IND 2025 Headingley Test
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