IND vs ENG Test: Rishabh Pant’s Twin Tons in Vain as India Fall at Headingley

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IND vs ENG Test: Rishabh Pant’s Twin Tons in Vain as India Fall at Headingley

In a match that will be remembered for Rishabh Pant’s audacious batting, India suffered a gut-wrenching defeat to England at Headingley, despite the wicketkeeper-batter’s historic twin centuries. Pant’s knocks of 134 and 118 in the two innings were a display of breathtaking counter-attacking cricket, reinforcing his reputation as India’s most fearless Test batter on foreign soil. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, his heroics couldn’t prevent India from succumbing to a clinical England side.

Pant has often been India’s crisis man in challenging SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) conditions. From his defiant 114 at The Oval in 2018 to an unbeaten 159 in Sydney in 2019, and a gritty 100 in Cape Town in 2022, he has repeatedly stood tall when the chips are down. However, turning personal milestones into team victories remains an elusive dream, as once again, the supporting cast failed to match his intensity.

Pant’s Rare, Unwanted Record

With his twin tons at Headingley, Pant etched his name into a bittersweet piece of Indian cricket history. He became only the fourth Indian batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test match and still end up on the losing side. This rare feat places him alongside legends like Vijay Hazare (116 & 145, Adelaide 1948), Sunil Gavaskar (111 & 137, Karachi 1978), and Virat Kohli (115 & 141, Adelaide 2014). While the achievement showcases Pant’s exceptional skill, it’s a record no batter would want, as it highlights individual brilliance overshadowed by team failure.

Headingley Drama: A Rollercoaster Contest

The match at Headingley seemed poised for an Indian fightback, especially after Pant and KL Rahul forged a monumental 195-run partnership in the second innings. Their stand helped India set a daunting target of 371 on a deteriorating fifth-day pitch. Pant’s aggression, combined with Rahul’s composure, had England on the ropes. However, England’s top order displayed remarkable resilience, led by Ben Duckett’s match-defining 149 and a steady fifty from Joe Root. Their disciplined batting neutralized India’s attack, sealing a memorable victory for the hosts.

Pant’s SENA Masterclass: A Glimmer of Hope

Pant’s record in SENA countries is nothing short of phenomenal. Here’s a look at his Test centuries on hostile shores, most of which have come in losing or drawn causes:

  • 114 at The Oval, England (2018) – Lost
  • 159* at Sydney, Australia (2019) – Drawn
  • 100* at Cape Town, South Africa (2022) – Lost
  • 146 at Birmingham, England (2022) – Lost
  • 134 & 118 at Headingley, England (2025) – Lost

Despite these staggering numbers, the recurring theme of team losses underscores the need for India to build a more cohesive unit around Pant’s genius. At just 27 years old, Pant has already played several career-defining innings, but the challenge remains to translate these efforts into consistent overseas triumphs.

As India reflect on yet another missed opportunity, fans can take solace in Pant’s unflinching spirit and game-changing ability. His aggressive approach, often likened to the legendary Adam Gilchrist, is exactly what India need to conquer tough foreign conditions. However, for India to turn the tide in Test cricket abroad, the team must rally around their star batter and ensure his brilliance is no longer a lone battle cry. Can Pant’s heroics inspire a collective resurgence? Only time will tell.

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