Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka lauded Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul for their centuries against England at Headingley. Pant became the second wicketkeeper ever to score centuries in both innings of a Test, while Rahul hit a patient 137.
With their own means and ways, the two drove India into a position of control. KL Rahul continued to be patient, calm and left the ball as well as anyone has in this part of the world. Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, entered a period of self-talking where he calmed himself to weather the early storm and then returned to maverick ways before making timely returns to sensibility.
At Headingley, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant’s spectacular centuries powered India to a formidable 364 in their second innings, setting England a challenging 371-run target. Pant’s twin centuries etched his name in history, while Rahul’s composed innings anchored the batting display. Despite a late collapse, India’s dominant performance has set the stage for a thrilling final day.
Former Indian left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi passed away in London at the age of 77 due to cardiac arrest. Doshi represented India in 33 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1979 and 1983. The Saurashtra Cricket Association mourned the loss of Doshi, remembering his dedication and skill. He was a match-winner, achieving 114 Test wickets and 898 first-class wickets.
Jofra Archer made a comeback to first-class cricket for Sussex against Durham, raising hopes for his return to England’s Test side. After more than a four-year absence due to injuries, Archer marked his return with a wicket. With the second Test against India looming, his fitness will be crucial for a possible England recall.
England’s Joe Root has equaled Rahul Dravid’s record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket. Root’s 210th catch, dismissing Shardul Thakur, puts him alongside the Indian legend. The English veteran achieved this feat in 293 innings, surpassing Dravid’s catch-per-innings ratio.
At Headingley, Team India etched their name in Test cricket history by achieving the remarkable feat of scoring five individual centuries in a single match for the first time. Jaiswal, Gill, and Pant’s centuries propelled India to a strong first-innings total. Despite Pope and Brook’s valiant efforts, England trailed narrowly at the end of the first innings.
Rishabh Pant etched his name in history at Headingley, becoming the first wicketkeeper-batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test. His second innings ton was followed by Sunil Gavaskar playfully urging him to repeat his first-innings somersault celebration. Pant’s adaptability was also on display, shifting from aggressive shots to a defensive approach, earning praise from Deep Dasgupta.
Rishabh Pant’s stellar performance at Headingley has etched his name in the record books. He surpassed Alec Stewart for the highest match aggregate by a wicketkeeper in a Test on English soil.
Nasser Hussain highlighted Dinesh Karthik’s description of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant’s contrasting styles during their impressive 195-run partnership. Rahul played with classical elegance, while Pant initially adopted a more aggressive, ‘hip-hop’ approach before settling into a more measured innings.