Rishabh Pant made headlines by becoming only the second wicketkeeper in the 148-year history of Test cricket to score two centuries in the same Test match, achieving this remarkable feat during the series against England at Headingley, Leeds. Pant scored 134 runs in the first innings and followed it up with 118 in the second innings, showcasing his exceptional skill and resilience as a batsman and wicketkeeper.
This achievement places Pant in an elite club alongside Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower, the only other designated wicketkeeper to have scored centuries in both innings of a Test match. Pant is the first Indian wicketkeeper to accomplish this feat, and notably, the first Indian batter to score two centuries in a single Test match on English soil. His twin centuries not only underline his status as one of the most dynamic and impactful Test players of his era but also highlight his ability to perform under pressure, especially in challenging overseas conditions.
Pant’s second innings century was particularly impressive, coming off 140 balls with 15 boundaries and 3 sixes, demonstrating a mix of patience and aggression. After reaching his hundred, he launched a brutal assault on England’s Joe Root, scoring 19 runs in one over, which was crucial in giving India a strong position in the match despite the eventual loss. His partnership with KL Rahul in the second innings was match-defining, helping India recover from early setbacks and put up a competitive total.
With these performances, Pant overtook MS Dhoni to become the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test centuries, now holding eight centuries in 75 innings compared to Dhoni’s six centuries in 144 innings. This milestone further cements Pant’s place among the great Indian wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history.
Pant’s twin centuries also earned him a career-high seventh position in the ICC Test batting rankings, climbing one spot after the Leeds Test. This ranking is his highest ever in Test cricket, reflecting his growing stature and consistency at the international level. His rise in the rankings came alongside other notable performances in the series, including India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill moving up five places to 20th after scoring a century in the same match.
Despite Pant’s heroics, India lost the thrilling Leeds Test by five wickets, but his individual brilliance was a highlight of the series opener. His ability to score twin centuries in a single Test match is a rare feat that has only been achieved by a handful of players in the history of the game, making it a historic moment for Indian cricket and Test cricket globally.
In summary,
Rishabh Pant’s twin centuries against England at Headingley not only made cricket history by making him the second wicketkeeper ever to score two hundreds in the same Test match but also propelled him to a career-best seventh place in the ICC Test batting rankings. His performances have solidified his reputation as a game-changer in modern Test cricket and an invaluable asset to the Indian cricket team