On Day 4 of the first Test between India and England at Headingley on June 23, 2025, Rishabh Pant delivered a performance that will be remembered as one of the finest in Indian cricket history. Scoring his second century of the match, Rishabh Pant not only set a daunting target of 371 for England but also showcased his unique ability to dominate bowlers with fearless aggression. His batting was a spectacle, blending caution with explosive strokeplay, and it seems likely that his efforts put India in a commanding position.
Rishabh Pant’s performance on Day 4 was nothing short of extraordinary. Scoring 118 runs off 140 balls in the second innings, with 15 fours and 3 sixes, he became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test match. This feat places him alongside Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower as only the second wicketkeeper in Test history to achieve this. His first innings score of 134 had already set the stage, but his second innings heroics made him the first Indian batter to score two hundreds in a single Test in England, a milestone celebrated widely.
Rishabh Pant’s Masterclass: A Century in Both Innings
Rishabh Pant’s performance was a historic milestone in Indian cricket. In the first innings, he scored a commanding 134, anchoring India’s batting with a mix of solidity and flair. On Day 4, he went one better, scoring 118 off 140 balls in the second innings, which included 15 fours and 3 sixes.
This made him the first Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test match, a feat previously achieved only by Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower in 2001. Pant also became the first Indian batter to score twin centuries in a Test match in England, joining an elite group of Indian players like Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rohit Sharma.
Rishabh Pant’s second innings began with a nervy edge for a boundary off Chris Woakes, signaling his intent to attack from the outset. Despite surviving close chances, he showed remarkable self-awareness, even scolding himself on the stump mic for rash shots.
Rishabh Pant’s fifty came off 82 balls, a relatively cautious approach, but he shifted gears dramatically in the second session. Taking just 22 balls to move from 95 to 100, Pant reached his century with a single off Shoaib Bashir, marking his eighth Test hundred.
Aggressive Intent: Bazballing England
Rishabh Pant’s batting on Day 4 was a perfect embodiment of the aggressive “Bazball” style, turning the tables on England’s own philosophy. His counter-attacking approach was evident in his ability to dominate bowlers like Joe Root and Shoaib Bashir. A standout moment was his 19-run over off Root, which included two sixes, showcasing his power and timing.
Post-lunch, Pant hit two sixes in three balls, leaving the English fielders scrambling and the crowd in awe. His 195-run partnership with KL Rahul for the fourth wicket was the backbone of India’s second innings, frustrating England’s bowlers for two sessions. Pant’s ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries at will kept the scoreboard ticking, while his aggressive shots, including three fours and a six in a single over off Bashir, demoralized the opposition.
Even after reaching his century, Pant continued his onslaught, adding 27 runs off 11 balls at one point, stepping down the track to smash boundaries with ease. Pant’s innings ended when he was caught by Zak Crawley off Shoaib Bashir in the 72nd over, but not before he had left an indelible mark on the match. His celebration was notably calm, opting for a hug with Rahul rather than his signature backflip, perhaps a sign of his focus on the team’s goal.
Impact on the Match
Pant’s twin centuries were pivotal in India’s strategy to set a challenging target. India’s second innings total of 364, bolstered by Pant’s 118 and Rahul’s century, left England needing 371 to win. By the close of play on Day 4, England were 21-0, facing a steep challenge on the final day. Pant’s performance not only broke records but also shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor, making him the standout performer of the match.
Rishabh Pant’s Day 4 performance at Headingley was a defining moment in the first Test. His twin centuries, aggressive strokeplay, and crucial partnership with KL Rahul showcased his ability to dominate under pressure. By “Bazballing” England with his fearless approach, Pant not only entertained but also set the stage for a thrilling final day, cementing his status as one of cricket’s most exciting talents.
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