Rishabh Pant has once again etched his name in the annals of cricket history, becoming only the second wicketkeeper-batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test match during the first IND vs ENG encounter at Headingley. The 27-year-old dynamo not only dazzled with his bat but also captured hearts with a peculiar celebration that left fans and commentators, including the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, intrigued and amused.
Pant’s twin tons—a gritty 109 in the first innings and a breathtaking 112 in the second—powered India to a commanding position. Alongside KL Rahul’s brilliant century (108), Pant forged a match-defining 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket, helping India post a mammoth second innings total of 364. This set England a daunting target of 371 runs to win, a challenging feat on a wearing pitch with India’s bowlers ready to pounce.
While Pant’s batting heroics were the talk of the town, his celebration after the second century stole the spotlight. Fans and the commentary team eagerly awaited his signature somersault celebration, which he had performed after his first hundred. However, Pant surprised everyone by pointing towards his eye and gesturing at Gavaskar in the stands, hinting at a deeper meaning. Speaking on Sony Sports Network after Day 4, Gavaskar decoded the gesture, suggesting it was Pant’s way of thanking the divine forces for his incredible comeback after a life-threatening car accident in December 2022 that sidelined him for over a year.
Gavaskar, visibly elated by Pant’s performance, shared his joy: ‘I’m thrilled to see an Indian player excel. Cricket runs deep in India, with every family having at least one passionate follower. When someone like Pant does well, it brings happiness to millions. His journey, especially after that horrific crash, is nothing short of inspiring.’ The Little Master’s words echoed the sentiments of a nation rooting for Pant’s triumphant return.
Adding a humorous twist, Gavaskar confessed to a lighthearted moment of his own. ‘You know what, after Pant’s celebration, I tried practicing a backflip myself. At my age, it’s a no-go, but I used to do backstands in my younger days. I thought I’d pull one off to show here, but alas, I couldn’t!’ His candid admission had the commentary box in splits, showcasing his enduring charm.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, also on commentary, couldn’t resist chiming in on Pant’s new celebration. ‘I was expecting that trademark flip. Honestly, I was disappointed when he didn’t do a double flip! But knowing Rishabh, he’s always innovating, even with his celebrations.’ Vaughan’s remarks highlighted Pant’s reputation as a maverick, both on and off the field.
As Day 4 drew to a close, England’s openers Zak Crawley (12*) and Ben Duckett (9*) held firm, guiding their team to 21/0. With a mountain to climb and India’s bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah in fine form, the final day promises a thrilling conclusion. Can England pull off a miracle, or will Pant’s heroics seal a memorable victory for India? Stay tuned as the Headingley drama unfolds!