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Rishabh Pant Headingley Century lit up Day 2 of the first Test between India and England, as the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter smashed a blazing 134. It was his 7th Test hundred, which makes him the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test centuries, surpassing MS Dhoni. Consequently, his explosive innings put India in command, even though England bounced back late in the session with a crucial four-wicket burst.

🇮🇳 Rishabh Pant Headingley Century Breaks MS Dhoni’s Record

Pant came to the crease with India already in a dominant position, thanks to centuries from Jaiswal and Gill. Therefore, he had the freedom to bat with aggression. The pitch offered consistent bounce, and the bowlers were struggling to extract any movement.

He began Day 2 with confident boundaries off Brydon Carse. Soon after, his intent became clear as he started taking on Shoaib Bashir. Notably, he reached his fifty with ease and marched into the nineties playing fearless cricket. Eventually, he brought up his century with a massive six and celebrated in typical Pant fashion — a thrilling somersault.

How Rishabh Pant Headingley Century Shifted the Momentum

Pant’s aggressive strokeplay disrupted England’s plans. As a result, field placements became defensive and bowlers started losing rhythm. His post-century attack included another six that barely cleared long-off. Although England were still in the game, Pant ensured the pressure remained on them.

Even after a stumping chance was missed by Jamie Smith, Pant kept going. Thus, his innings was not just about the score but about asserting dominance over the bowling attack.

📊 Stats Behind Rishabh Pant Headingley Century — Most by an Indian Wicketkeeper

  • 7 Test centuries – the most by an Indian wicketkeeper
  • 134 runs off just 121 balls
  • Strike rate: above 85
  • 12 boundaries and 3 sixes
  • Second Test century in England

Clearly, this was one of Pant’s finest knocks in overseas conditions.

🤝 209-Run Stand with Gill Provides India Control

Shubman Gill matched Pant stroke for stroke. Together, they added a remarkable 209-run partnership, stabilizing and accelerating India’s innings. Gill’s elegant 147 included some of the best cover drives of the match. Unfortunately, he missed out on 150, falling to a mistimed slog-sweep.

Meanwhile, Karun Nair’s return didn’t go as planned. He was dismissed for a duck, which allowed England to regain some control. Subsequently, India lost momentum, slipping from 406/3 to 448/7.

England’s Response After Rishabh Pant Headingley Century

Although India remained ahead, the overcast conditions aided England’s bowlers. Pant was trapped LBW shouldering arms — a rare misjudgment. The review couldn’t overturn the decision. As a result, England found an opening.

Before the session ended, Stokes also dismissed Shardul Thakur. That wicket ensured England finished the session on a high note.

🧾 Brief Scores:

India 454/7 (Gill 147, Pant 134, Jaiswal 101; Stokes 4/66) vs England

📢 Fan Buzz

💬 “Pant is redefining Test batting. What a talent!”
💬 “Somersault after the 7th ton — this guy is a showman!”
💬 “Gill + Pant = fireworks 🔥”