Sanjiv Goenka hails Pant’s twin tons, Rahul’s century in Headingley Test

In a game full of drama, redemption, and sheer cricketing genius, Rishabh Pant demonstrated to the world why he is still a generational Test talent, despite his IPL form suggesting otherwise. The left-handed batsman-wicketkeeper made a spectacular return in whites after a lacklustre 2025 IPL season, becoming only the second gloveman in Test history to score hundreds in both innings of a match, after Zimbabwe's Andy Flower. His 118 off 140 balls in the second innings was the deciding blow, with 15 boundaries and three towering sixes that rendered Headingley incoherent. The tone was set by his 134 in the first inning.

If Pant was the spark, KL Rahul was the foundation. The right-hander crafted a masterful 137 from 247 deliveries, anchoring India's second-innings total and building a monumental 195-run partnership with Pant that might define the match. With elegant drives, a calm head, and grit under pressure, Rahul notched up his ninth Test ton and sixth in SENA conditions, his third in England alone, eclipsing even Rahul Dravid’s tally as an opener in the country.

The partnership not only put India in command on Day 4 but also drew admiration from one of India’s most high-profile cricket stakeholders, Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Goenka applauded both the current and former captains of his IPL franchise. “Two good! Back-to-back centuries for @RishabhPant17. Aggressive, audacious, brilliant. Only the second wicketkeeper in history to score a century in both innings of a Test,” Goenka wrote, before adding, “Congratulations also to @klrahul for his hundred. #INDvsENG.”

Two good! Back-to-back centuries for @RishabhPant17. Aggressive, audacious, brilliant. Only the second wicketkeeper in history to score a century in both innings of a Test. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Congratulations also to @klrahul for his hundred. #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/WhU12EYVhE

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) June 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: ENG vs IND 1st Test: Rishabh Pant reprimand by ICC for arguing with umpire

Pant and Rahul shine in whites as India push for victory at Headingley

Interestingly, it was a moment of irony, too. Rahul was released by the franchise ahead of IPL 2025, following a public fallout after a heavy loss to SRH. But at Headingley, there were no signs of scars, only supreme class. As the crowd waited for Pant’s signature somersault celebration, Sunil Gavaskar egged him on from the stands. But Pant resisted, saving his energy for the job at hand. He raised his bat quietly after nudging a single off Shoaib Bashir, marking the moment with humility, not high-flying theatrics.

And it’s not done yet. England still needs 350 runs heading into Day 5. Crawley and Duckett are unbeaten, but the mountain is steep. With India’s bowlers raring to go and momentum firmly in their corner, a thrilling finish looms large at Headingley.

No matter how it ends, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have already authored one of the most memorable days in Indian Test cricket, reminding everyone, especially Goenka, that true greatness often shows up in whites, not just lights.