Rishabh Pant's heroic performance: From criticism to acclaim in the England Test series

 Rishabh Pant delivered a powerful reminder of his match-winning ability with a stunning century in the 1st Test against England at Headingley. After ending Day 1 unbeaten on 65, Pant went on to score his 7th Test century on Day 2, reaching the milestone in 146 balls with 10 boundaries and 4 sixes. His ton helped solidify India’s commanding position in the match and also saw him surpass MS Dhoni’s record to become the Indian wicketkeeper with the most centuries in Test cricket.

Pant faced heavy criticism following an underwhelming IPL 2025 campaign, with many questioning his form and fitness. Doubts also loomed over his Test comeback after a long injury layoff from his 2022 car accident. However, Pant’s century was marked not just by his aggressive stroke play but also by a signature somersault celebration. The backflip, which he first displayed at the IPL, elicited grins from fans and commentators alike. Sunil Gavaskar, commentating on the occasion, quipped, "After that, you must have a stretcher and ambulance at hand, just in case." The victory was symbolic—a coming full circle for a player who had survived vicious criticism and a career-ending car crash barely two years ago.

On Day 1, Pant had walked in on the back of Jaiswal's dismissal and quickly asserted his dominance by cutting Ben Stokes for a boundary. His 65 not out off 102 balls innings was dotted with six fours and two sixes, included as part of an unbroken 138-run partnership with skipper Shubman Gill. It was a relaxed and composed performance, one that silenced critics and displayed the southpaw fully in rhythm after an uninspiring IPL 2025 season.

Pant Breaks Dhoni’s Record with 7th Test Century

Pant's century was not only about numbers; it was also a statement of grit. In the process of his innings, he breached 3,000 Test runs, becoming only the second Indian wicketkeeper after Dhoni to have done so. He also became Asia’s most successful wicketkeeper-batter in SENA conditions. Earlier, he had overtaken Rohit Sharma to become India’s leading six-hitter in the World Test Championship, now standing at 58 sixes.

See Also: WATCH: Rishabh Pant does his famous backflip celebration after century in 1st Test vs England

With key contributions from Jaiswal (101), debutant captain Gill (127*), and Pant, India posted their highest-ever first-day total in a Test match on English soil—359/3. But it was Pant’s knock that stood out for its emotion, intent, and message: Rishabh Pant is back, and he’s here to stay.