Daijiworld Media Network- Leeds

Leeds, Jun 24: India’s star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has once again etched his name in cricketing history by scoring centuries in both innings of the first Test against England at Headingley — a rare feat achieved by only one other wicketkeeper in Test cricket history.

Pant’s dazzling return to form, complemented by KL Rahul’s gritty century, not only bolstered India’s second innings total to 364 but also helped set a daunting 371-run target for the hosts. The pair added a vital 195 runs for the fourth wicket, drawing loud cheers from the Headingley crowd and warm praise from cricketing greats.

However, it wasn’t just the runs that caught everyone’s attention — it was also Pant’s unique post-century celebration. While many, including the commentary box, expected his trademark somersault after reaching his second hundred, Pant instead pointed towards his eye and gestured to the stands, sparking a flurry of speculation.

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, speaking on Sony Sports Network, revealed that he had jokingly requested Pant to perform another somersault. But Pant, smiling, deferred the flip, pointing skyward in a gesture Gavaskar later described as “a sign of gratitude to the heavens.”

“Very, very happy,” Gavaskar said on-air. “Whenever an Indian performs like this, it brings joy not just to us in the box but to every household across India. Rishabh's comeback is phenomenal — especially after everything he went through following the car crash.”

The light-hearted banter continued as former England skipper Michael Vaughan joined in during the broadcast, humorously expressing disappointment at the absence of Pant’s “double flip” and asking Gavaskar to decode the new gesture. Gavaskar chuckled, admitting that Pant was likely acknowledging divine blessings.

Adding his own humorous twist, the veteran batsman shared, “After watching Pant, I actually went back and tried doing a backstand! No chance at my age... I used to do it before, but now? Just thinking about it was enough!”

Meanwhile, England closed Day 4 on 21 for no loss, with openers Zak Crawley (12*) and Ben Duckett (9*) surviving a testing spell under fading light. As the match heads into a gripping final day, all eyes are on the English top order to see if they can overcome India's imposing challenge.

With Pant’s sublime performance and the match delicately poised, fans and experts alike eagerly await what promises to be a dramatic finish at Headingley.