IND vs ENG Test: KL Rahul Lauds Rishabh Pant’s Historic Feat as India Eye Victory
In a captivating turn of events at Headingley, Leeds, India’s swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant etched his name into the record books on Day 4 of the first Test against England. Scoring a breathtaking 118 in the second innings after a century in the first, Pant became the first Indian wicketkeeper to achieve two centuries in a single Test match, joining Zimbabwe’s legendary Andy Flower as the only other keeper to accomplish this rare feat.
Pant’s audacious stroke play on a challenging, deteriorating pitch not only silenced his critics but also powered India to set a formidable target of 371 for England to chase on the final day. Despite a few risky shots early in his knock, the 27-year-old reached his milestone in the 70th over, dismantling the bowling of young spinner Shoaib Bashir with characteristic flair.
India’s opener KL Rahul, speaking to the press after the day’s play, came to Pant’s defense amid ongoing debates surrounding his unorthodox, aggressive batting style. “It is hard for us to understand his mindset, but you let Rishabh Pant be Rishabh Pant. There’s clearly a method to his madness—he’s averaging an impressive 45 in Test cricket. Behind those outrageous shots, there’s a lot of thought. We just try to calm him down between balls as much as we can,” Rahul remarked with a wry smile.
Pant’s heroics have placed India in a dominant position heading into the final day of this enthralling Test. England began their chase cautiously, ending Day 4 at 21/0 in 6 overs, with opener Zak Crawley showing resilience after a disappointing first innings. However, with the pitch offering variable bounce and turn, the home side faces an uphill battle to overhaul India’s imposing total.
Reflecting on the match situation, Rahul exuded calmness and confidence. “It’s set up for a blockbuster finish tomorrow. At this stage of my career, I’m much more composed and not chasing personal numbers. Someone has to win, and it’ll be an exciting day,” the Karnataka-born batter noted. He also warned England of the worsening conditions, adding, “The wicket isn’t as batter-friendly as it was in the first innings. They won’t find it easy to hit on the rise.”
As history beckons for Pant and India stand on the cusp of a memorable victory, all eyes will be on Headingley for Day 5. Will Pant’s brilliance inspire the Indian bowlers to seal the deal, or can England pull off a miraculous chase? One thing is certain—cricket fans are in for a thrilling climax to this epic contest.