BiGG Author 
When India needed stability, flair, and fight on English soil, Rishabh Pant delivered not once, but twice in the same match. On Day 4 of the 1st Test between India and England at Headingley, Pant etched his name into the history books by scoring a second century in the match — an outstanding 118 off 140 balls in India’s second innings. With his earlier 134 in the first innings, he became the first Indian player to score twin centuries in a Test in England, and only the second wicketkeeper in the history of Test cricket to do so.
Rishabh Pant’s innings was more than just a statistical milestone. It was a lesson in intent, adaptability, and fearless cricket. Walking in at 92/3, with India leading by just 98 runs and the English bowlers on the attack, Pant turned the tide with a blend of counter-attacking brilliance and smart situational play. In a partnership of 195 runs with KL Rahul, Pant not only rescued India from a vulnerable position but helped build a towering second-innings lead of 371.
Rishabh Pant – Known for his aggressive style, Pant didn’t disappoint. His 118 included 15 boundaries and 3 sixes, laced with audacious pulls, lofted drives, and reverse sweeps that left bowlers and spectators in awe. But unlike earlier in his career, where critics questioned his decision-making under pressure, this innings showed a matured side of Pant — one who could pick his moments, weather a storm, and then launch an assault when conditions favored him.
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri praised Rishabh Pant’s evolution, saying, “People say Pant’s batting defies logic, but there is an element of a sharp cricket brain behind it. He knows when to counterattack and when to defend. This was a world-class knock.”
With this effort, Pant’s match total of 252 runs (134 and 118) became the highest by an Indian wicketkeeper in a Test match and one of the best ever by a visiting player in England. The innings came on a surface that had started to show signs of variable bounce and against a bowling lineup featuring the likes of Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and Mark Wood — none of whom could crack Pant’s rhythm once he got going.
Rishabh Pant’s heroics were more than just individual brilliance — they helped shape the match itself. From a slender lead of 6 runs after the first innings, his performance powered India to a dominant position, setting England a near-impossible target on a deteriorating pitch. His confidence, body language, and shot selection all exuded the energy of a player in control — of the ball, the moment, and perhaps the match itself.
What makes this performance even more special is the context. Just a year ago, Rishabh Pant was recovering from injury and facing doubts about his return to red-ball cricket. Fast forward to today, and he’s not just back — he’s leading India’s charge in England with the bat, gloves, and presence.
Rishabh Pant’s twin centuries at Headingley will go down not just as a statistical anomaly but as one of the finest all-round batting displays by a wicketkeeper in modern Test history. At just 27, he’s already building a legacy that echoes beyond sixes and stump-mic banter. He’s becoming the player India turns to when the stage is big and the pressure is bigger.
As India eyes victory on Day 5, Pant’s performance has already secured its place in the annals of Indian cricket — as a landmark innings, as a series-shaping statement, and most importantly, as a reminder that when Pant walks out to bat, expect the extraordinary.
Follow BiGG Sports News for more sports related stories
