Pant-astic Feat! Rishabh Pant Becomes First Indian Wicketkeeper to Score Twin Centuries in a Test Match
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has etched his name into the annals of cricket history. On Day 4 of the first Test against England at Headingley Stadium, Leeds, Pant smashed his eighth Test century, scoring a sensational 118 runs in the second innings on Monday. This remarkable achievement comes on the heels of his first-innings knock of 134 runs, making him the first Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a single Test match.
Pant’s twin centuries in the same Test place him in an elite global club, joining Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower as one of only two designated wicketkeepers to achieve this rare feat. Flower accomplished this in 2001 against South Africa in Harare, scoring 142 and 199*. Pant’s historic performance in 2025 against England not only showcases his aggressive batting style but also underlines his growing stature as a game-changer in Test cricket.
Adding to the significance of his performance, Pant has now recorded five consecutive 50-plus scores on English soil, aligning himself with cricketing legends such as Don Bradman, Hansie Cronje, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Kumar Sangakkara, and Daryl Mitchell. The record for the most consecutive 50-plus scores by a visiting batter in England is held by Australia’s Steven Smith with seven such scores, but Pant’s consistency at the age of just 27 suggests he could challenge that milestone in the future.
Within the Indian context, Pant’s achievement is equally monumental. He becomes the first Indian batter to score twin centuries in a Test match on English soil, joining an illustrious list of Indian players who have managed this feat anywhere in the world. This elite group includes Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar (with three such instances), Rahul Dravid (twice), Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rohit Sharma. Pant’s inclusion in this list further cements his reputation as one of India’s most explosive and reliable batters in the longest format of the game.
What makes Pant’s performance stand out is his fearless approach against a formidable English bowling attack led by James Anderson and Ollie Robinson. His ability to switch gears, combining cautious defense with audacious stroke play—such as his signature reverse scoop—has left fans and pundits alike in awe. Headingley, a venue known for its swinging conditions, witnessed Pant dominate with a strike rate of over 70 in both innings, a testament to his adaptability and mental fortitude.
As India pushes for a commanding position in this opening Test of the series, Pant’s historic knocks have not only boosted the team’s morale but also reignited discussions about his role as a potential match-winner across formats. With 8 Test centuries and an average hovering around 43 in the format, the young wicketkeeper-batter is proving to be a worthy successor to legends like MS Dhoni.
In conclusion, Rishabh Pant’s twin centuries at Headingley are more than just numbers on a scorecard—they are a celebration of grit, talent, and the unyielding spirit of Indian cricket. As the series progresses, all eyes will remain on this Pant-astic star, who continues to redefine what’s possible with a bat in hand. Can he carry this form forward and lead India to a series triumph on foreign soil? Only time will tell, but for now, Pant has given cricket fans a memory to cherish for generations.