Team India’s opening batter KL Rahul scored a brilliant century on Day 2 of the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It was his 11th Test hundred overall and only his second in India, making the occasion very special.

India began the second day at 121/2, with Rahul batting on 53 and captain Shubman Gill on 18. Gill looked solid in the morning session and completed his half-century. However, he was dismissed for 50 runs by Roston Chase. That turned out to be India’s only wicket of the session, while Rahul carried on with confidence and determination.

Rahul reached his hundred in the 65th over of the innings. On the fifth ball, he flicked a delivery from Chase towards mid-wicket and completed the single that brought up his century. The 33-year-old celebrated by whistling, lifting his bat to acknowledge the crowd, and sharing a warm hug with wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. His celebration quickly went viral and drew plenty of attention from fans and teammates alike.

Longest Gap Between Home Centuries for India

Rahul’s century was extra special because of the long wait he had to endure. His previous hundred at home came back in 2016 against England in Chennai. This meant there was a gap of 3,211 days between his two home centuries, the longest ever for an Indian batter. The earlier record belonged to Ravichandran Ashwin, who waited 2,655 days between two home hundreds from 2013 to 2021.

Watch the video here

Commanding & Klassy! 😤@klrahul brings up his century at home, his 2nd in 8 years as #TeamIndia consolidate their lead. 🇮🇳

Catch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/JFWO3nYmj8#INDvWI 1st Test, Day 2 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/zbeFhZqUcd

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 3, 2025

See Also: [WATCH] Shubman Gill celebrates 50 to continue batting dominance during first IND vs WI Test in Ahmedabad

Rahul also played 26 innings between his two home centuries. This is the third-highest for an Indian player, behind Ashwin (36 innings) and Syed Kirmani (32 innings). Other famous Indian names with such long waits include Chandu Borde, Vijay Manjrekar, Polly Umrigar, Kapil Dev, and Ajinkya Rahane. Rahul’s determined innings showed his class and patience, giving India a strong position in the match.

In the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match against India, Pathum Nissanka, a right-handed opener for Sri Lanka, accomplished a remarkable milestone by scoring his maiden T20I century. After setting a demanding goal of 203 runs to chase in Dubai on Friday, Nissanka displayed a masterful and composed innings to keep Sri Lanka in the game throughout the edgy run chase.

The opener built a match-high value partnership with a veteran, Kusal Perera, for the second wicket that was 127. The partnership is now also the third-highest partnership for Sri Lanka for any wicket in T20Is, ranking behind the celebrated partnerships of Jayawardene-Sangakkara and Dilshan-Jayawardene in World Cups. Nissanka lost his partner early, due to a dismissal at the behest of Kusal Mendis, but he was able to steady the ship and score 47 runs in the powerplay single-handedly.

Nissanka first reached fifty from 25 balls, while dominating the Indian bowlers, and continued onwards to a quick century after the wicket of Perera in the thirteenth over. Even as India picked up regular wickets to narrow the match swing to their advantage, Nissanka was not deterred after scoring his century in only 52 balls. Moreover, the innings secured Nissanka as the very first batter from Sri Lanka to score a T20I hundred against India, while exceeding the record from the overall position of 79 set in 2024.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] IND vs SL: Sanju Samson shows frustration after missing half-century in Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash

Nissanka's century was a lesson in timing and technique. He took control of a wayward yorker from Arshdeep Singh, moving across his stumps with balance and striking with power straight down the ground over the bowler's head. It was neither over the top nor underwhelming as he celebrated, taking off his helmet and acknowledging the applause from the crowd.

Before Nissanka's exploits, India had set a target of 202/5 after opting to bat first. Minibus Abhishek Sharma led the way with 61 runs off 31 balls, while Tilak Varma finished with a useful 49 runs off 34 balls. Sharma's knock would also lead him to become the leading run-scorer in an Asia Cup T20I edition ahead of seniors Virat Kohli and Mohammad Rizwan. Sanju Samson added 39 useful runs, providing a total that India would be able to defend at the back of their 3-pronged pace attack.

While Nissanka created his own piece of T20I history, what he also demonstrated, aside from showing power and timing, was the ability to not lose your composure and play in the temperament in a big run chase. The century was reflective of who Nissanka is as a captain and batter. While Sri Lanka had to chase a big total on arrival, it showcased that Nissanka can rise with the pressure of having to anchor and lead his team on the run chase.

Twitter reactions: 

A glorious maiden T20I century for Pathum Nissanka 🌟👏#INDvSL 📝: https://t.co/RoEevXOJrW pic.twitter.com/wSuFSCRmmm

— ICC (@ICC) September 26, 2025

Pathum Nissanka is the most underrated batter in the world currently. Superstar. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/uhp1xIeOp1

— yash (@yxshw27) September 26, 2025

What a inning 🫡 PATHUM NISSANKA

#AsiaCup2025live #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/1LL3F81BZW

— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) September 26, 2025

The hundred celebration from Pathum Nissanka. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/g9LnavaWlB

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 26, 2025

India U19’s opening batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi continued his stunning run in the youth series against England U19 with yet another explosive innings in the fourth ODI at Worcester. The 14-year-old southpaw has been in terrific form throughout the series, and Saturday’s match saw him at his destructive best once again. Suryavanshi smashed a brilliant century off just 52 balls, including 10 fours and 7 sixes, leaving the England bowlers clueless.

After reaching the milestone, the young sensation celebrated with a fist pump, kissed his helmet, and soaked in the applause from the crowd. Suryavanshi made his aggressive intentions clear right from the start. Despite initially taking some time to settle into the conditions, he quickly shifted gears and launched into a breathtaking assault, targeting both seamers and spinners without discrimination.

The left-hander lost his opening partner, Ayush Mhatre, early in the fourth over but then stitched together a crucial stand with Vihaan Malhotra. While Vihaan played the supporting role, Suryavanshi unleashed a flurry of boundaries. During the commentary, one of the broadcasters exclaimed, “Vaibhav Suryavanshi is like Yuvraj Singh on steroids,” highlighting the level of dominance. Another added, “I don't think I have seen better ball-striking than this in England. This guy is a genius.”

Rising star continues to impress beyond U-19 cricket

Suryavanshi has been in excellent touch throughout the series, with previous scores of 48, 45, and 86 before his hundred in the fourth ODI. His knock helped India U19 secure a strong position in the five-match series, putting the visitors ahead 3–1. The youngster was also present earlier this week at Edgbaston to watch Day 2 of the second Test between India and England, witnessing Shubman Gill’s double century live.

See Also: [WATCH]: 'I only believe in myself and Jassi bhai' – Arshdeep Singh hails Mohammed Siraj's six-wicket haul in 2nd Test against England

The cricketing world first took note of Suryavanshi during the IPL 2025 season, where he played a sensational knock of 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans. In that game, he took apart top Indian pacers like Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, and Prasidh Krishna. At just 13, he was picked in the IPL mega auction for ₹1.10 crore, becoming the youngest player to earn an IPL contract. Before the IPL, he had already impressed with a 58-ball century against Australia U19 and played a key role in India’s run to the Under-19 Asia Cup final in 2024.

In August 2024, Shikhar Dhawan officially announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, bringing to a close one of the most impactful careers by an opening batter in ODIs. Nicknamed 'Mr. ICC' for his consistent brilliance in global tournaments, Dhawan was the top scorer and Player of the Tournament during India’s victorious 2013 Champions Trophy campaign. He replicated his form in the 2015 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy, averaging an exceptional 65 in ICC events.

Across 167 ODIs, Dhawan amassed 6793 runs at an average of 44.11, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. His final outing in India colors came during the 2022 tour of Bangladesh, where he scored just 18 runs in three innings. That series also featured Ishan Kishan’s record-breaking double century—210 off 131 balls—which Dhawan revealed was a pivotal moment for him. “When Ishan Kishan scored that 200, my instinct told me, alright boy, this can be the end of your career. An inner voice came to me. And that’s what happened,” Dhawan told Hindustan Times.

In that particular game, Dhawan scored only 3 runs while India went on to win by 227 runs. Despite the personal setback, Dhawan shared that he was emotionally at peace. “Then I remember my friends came over to, you know, give me that emotional support. They thought that I would be very down. But I was chilling; I was enjoying it," he added, reflecting his typical calm and cheerful demeanor.

"We Are Used to It Since Under-14 Days": Dhawan on Being Dropped

Dhawan also addressed the silence from teammates after he was dropped from the Indian team, clarifying that such things are not unusual in the world of cricket. “No, it doesn’t happen that way (teammates messaging after someone being dropped). Maybe I spoke to Rahul (Dravid) bhai. He messaged me,” he said, when asked if any player had reached out after his exclusion.

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma spotted in London ahead of ENG vs IND 2nd Test

The 39-year-old veteran stressed that he wasn’t shocked by the development, having experienced selections and exclusions since his early playing days. “Everyone has their own journey, and they are doing work or they are on tours; that’s something very normal. We are used to it from the age of under 14; this is not the first time I am getting dropped or getting in,” Dhawan said calmly, summing up his journey with characteristic grace.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was full of praise for Shubman Gill after the Indian batter struck his seventh Test century on Day 1 of the ongoing match against England at Edgbaston. Gill, who came in at number four, held the innings together with an unbeaten 114 off 216 balls, including 12 boundaries. His composed effort helped India reach 310/5 at stumps, displaying patience and maturity in a crucial phase of the match.

“Shubman Gill has worked hard on his defense. When he last came to England, he played with hard hands, pushing at the ball a bit like Virat Kohli. But now, the top hand is in much more control. He allows the ball to come to him, trusts in his defense, and has all the shots in the book when he goes on the attack,” said Shastri during the Sky Sports broadcast. The century was Gill’s second in as many matches, following his 147 at Headingley last week as Test captain.

Ravi Shastri also highlighted the significance of the 99-run partnership between Gill and Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 41. “I think India will be pretty happy with where they are at the end of day one. I think this partnership of 99 between Gill and Jadeja has gotten them out of what could've been a spot of bother. But they know they will need to get at least another 150 runs from here at least,” he added.

"All Eyes on India Tomorrow": Hussain Reflects on England's Missed Chance

Former England captain Nasser Hussain echoed Shastri’s thoughts, saying, “I think it'more about keepingep your eyes on India tomorrow than whaEngland cannd do. There's no way they should've lost 7-41 in that first innings on the second day and 6-31 in the second innings at Headingley.” Hemphasizeded that India muscapitalizese on this strong start and push their total to 450 and beyond.

See Also: ENG U19 vs IND U19, 3rd Youth ODI: Major highlights and key performances

Hussain also acknowledged the challenges faced by England’s bowlers on a flat pitch. “Before this 99-run partnership between Gill and Jadeja, they were ahead of thgame,me whereas they were never really ahead at Headingley,” he noted. “A tough day at the office, back-to-back bowling days for them and Carse limping off, but you can't fault the effort there of the bowlers.”

Pressure at the highest level of international cricket can either be a friend or a foe. For Shubman Gill, it is very definitely the latter. With the weight of Test captaincy on his young shoulders, Gill hasn’t just led  he’s flourished. And in scoring back-to-back Test centuries as captain, he’s sent a message loud and clear: he’s not just here to be a placeholder  he’s here to lead from the front. Calm at the crease, sharp in the field, Gill is shaping into the leader Indian cricket has been looking for.

His leadership has now drawn praise from one of India’s most iconic cricketers  Yuvraj Singh. In a heartfelt Instagram story, Yuvraj wrote, “When responsibility calls, some rise and some soar! Shubman just became one of the rare few to score consecutive hundreds as Test captain.” The praise wasn’t just casual; Yuvraj went on to compare Gill to South African legend Graeme Smith, a captain known for leading young and winning.The heat of that comparison demonstrates just how much faith cricketing greats have in Gill’s temper and talent.

Gill’s development as a player has always been thrilling to watch, but this step into leadership has been even more fun. At only 24 he is showing the kind of qualities  patience, game sense, composure  of great Test leaders. Doing it with a steady supply of runs does even more. These aren’t hundreds, they’re not just highway signs; they’re statements.
ALSO READ: OTD: Ravindra Jadeja's heroics earned India the 2013 Champions Trophy defeating England

A Cool Head, A Hot Bat, A Leader Is Born

Scan the crowd and your eyes will quickly fixate on Gill, who is not even trying to be the life of the party. What is striking about Gill, the true hero, is his understatedness, his colossal non-giantness. He leads quietly but firmly, his performances speak volumes. During a battle of attrition under a format that requires mental fortitude, his philosophy has been mature and aggressive.

As India look to the future, it’s already obvious that Shubman Gill is no mere batting prodigy. He’s becoming a dependable leader. With legends of the game like Yuvraj Singh publicly endorsing him, it sounds like this is only the start of something extraordinary.

Rishabh Pant once again stole the spotlight with his second century of the match on Day 4 of the first Test against England at Headingley, becoming only the second wicketkeeper-batter in Test history to score twin hundreds in a single match. His flamboyant batting style and crowd-pleasing persona had fans eagerly waiting for a repeat of his now-iconic somersault celebration from the first innings.

Even former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was among those anticipating the flip. However, after reaching his century, Pant instead gestured toward Gavaskar, possibly indicating “some time later” in response to the subtle request for a celebration. The moment went viral, showing Pant interacting with the legend from the field while the crowd watched with anticipation.

Speaking after the day’s play on Sony Sports Network, Gavaskar expressed his happiness over Pant’s success. “Very, very happy. I mean, anytime an Indian does well, you feel very happy... So to see this young kid come back, I mean, look what had happened to him with all those, with that crash,” he said, referencing Pant’s remarkable comeback from injury. Gavaskar also spoke about the emotional impact cricket has on Indian families and how performances like Pant’s bring joy to millions.

Gavaskar’s Humour and Vaughan’s Curiosity

After scoring his second century, Pant unveiled a new gesture, pointing toward his eye instead of doing a somersault. This prompted former England captain Michael Vaughan to ask, “Can you explain what that celebration is? I was waiting for that flip as well.” Gavaskar responded, “No, this is, I think, basically thanking the gods above. He had something on his eye. He kind of put us on the signal.”

Watch the video here

Sunil Gavaskar asking Rishabh Pant to do Summersault celebration to which he replied next time for sure 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/mzCbugYDfT

— RP17 Gang™ (@RP17Gang) June 23, 2025

See Also: [WATCH] "Aise Yeh Zaroori Nahi Hai!": Rishabh Pant criticizes himself for reckless shot on Day 4 in ENG vs IND first Test

In a light-hearted moment, Gavaskar also shared a personal anecdote. “You know what, I've got to confess that after that I came here, and I tried not to do the backflip—no chance... but I used to do the backstand,” he said. “So if I could have done it successfully then, then I would have shown it here, but I wasn't able to.” Pant’s 118-run knock, combined with KL Rahul’s 137, helped India post 364 in their second innings, setting England a target of 371. At stumps, the hosts were 21/0, with Crawley and Duckett unbeaten on 12 and 9.

On a day when India required a fighting knock, Rishabh Pant delivered in typical fashion, bringing up a scintillating second innings century in England at Headingley. Coming in with India under pressure after early wickets had pegged them back, Pant opted for aggression, over caution, playing his carefree strokeplay that kept the bowlers under pressure. His hundred was well-timed, providing India with a buffer which they found invaluable and also turning the tide back in their favour on a difficult pitch.

Pant was aggressive as ever against spinners, charging fast bowlers and nudging it around smartly. He grew confident, though he lost batsmen at the other end across his hundreds, and when required, upped the gears to the boundary with a crack through point that raised the crowd to their feet. Commentator Vivek Razdan, on air during the moment, praised Pant’s innings as a masterclass in counter-attacking Test batting, calling it exactly what India needed to stay alive in the match.

This knock will go down as one of Pant’s finest under pressure. With India aiming to set a fighting target for England, his aggressive batting has not only frustrated the English attack but also inspired the rest of the lower order to fight on. Fans and pundits alike hailed Pant’s innings as proof of why he is considered India’s ultimate game-changer in the longest format.

Watch video:

COMMENTARY BY VIVEK RAZDAN WHEN PANT COMPLETED HUNDRED 🥶 pic.twitter.com/Y8Bs8HWchE

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: MLC 2025, Match 14: NY vs SF Dream11 Top Captain And Vice-captain Choices

Vivek Razdan Applauds Pant’s Fearless Century

As soon as Pant reached his hundred, Vivek Razdan summed it up perfectly in the commentary box, calling it a blend of bravery and smart shot selection. He highlighted how Pant’s positive mindset turned the match around and lauded him for putting the team’s needs first, even when the situation demanded caution.

With this century, Pant has once again shown why he’s such an invaluable asset to India’s Test side. His ability to absorb pressure and then dominate bowlers has given India a real chance to push for a result, despite being on the back foot earlier in the game. All eyes will now be on how the bowlers back up Pant’s brilliance in the final innings.

KL Rahul Steps Up Big Time with a Gritty Century at Headingley

KL Rahul didn’t have the best start to the Headingley Test. In the first innings, after settling in, he played a loose shot and got out for 42 something he would’ve regretted. But in the second innings, he came back determined to make up for it.

Rahul looked calm and focused right from the start. On Day 4, he brought up his ninth Test century his first in almost a year and a half. He reached the milestone off Shoaib Bashir’s bowling in the 62nd over, taking 202 balls to get there. It wasn’t flashy it was solid, patient, and full of class.

This was Rahul’s third Test hundred in England, and he’s now the only Indian opener to have scored three centuries in the UK. His average in England is now close to 40 proof of how well he handles tough conditions.

Rahul’s innings stood out because of his solid technique. While others struggled, he stayed strong. When he got to his hundred, he removed his helmet and took in the applause from the Headingley crowd. India’s captain Shubman Gill also smiled proudly and clapped from the dressing room. On commentary, Nasser Hussain said, “High-class stuff from a high-class player.” Michael Atherton added, “A beautiful cover drive what a way to reach a hundred.”

Earlier, Rahul had walked in after Yashasvi Jaiswal got out cheaply. He built a steady stand with Sai Sudharsan, making sure India didn’t lose too many wickets early. After Gill was dismissed on Day 4, Rahul and Pant had to fight through a tough spell. England bowled tight lines, but both batters didn’t give in. After a tough first hour, Rahul started to play more freely. He did get a bit of luck when Harry Brook dropped him in the slips, but he made it count. By the second session, he and Pant had taken full control.

Thanks to their partnership, India now has a lead of over 200 runs and is in a strong position in this Test. The pitch hasn’t worn out much, and India will now aim to set a target of over 400 for England. With Rohit Sharma retired and Virat Kohli not around, someone had to take charge. KL Rahul did just that with heart, skill, and a whole lot of patience.

ALSO READ: Watch: Sanjana Ganesan urges Jasprit Bumrah to stay for entire England test series

Twitter reactions after  KL Rahul Steps Up with a Calm and Classy Hundred

IM DELETING YOU Rahul

15% complete...

30%complete...

60% complete...

99% complete...

🚫🚫ERROR🚫🚫
Rahul IS IRREPLACEABLE
I could never delete you KL
If KL poops, I flush If KL sneezes, I bless him
If KL farts l inhale
When KL points I look
When KL commands I obey pic.twitter.com/xou9t65tVk

— naym (@77Abdddd) June 23, 2025

KL Rahul is so lucky.
Scored century after a dropped catch. pic.twitter.com/bU7rD1wEuU

— Crazy Cricket Memes (@CrazyCricMemes) June 23, 2025

KL rahul hugging a delhi boy after test century is permanent 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/eMOkPndGhf

— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) June 23, 2025

Class KL Rahul | Naam to suna hi hoga

8th test century out of 9 are away from home🔥

KL Rahul's centuries away from home in Tests:

Century at Sydney, 2015
Century at Colombo, 2015
Century at Kingston, 2016
Century at The Oval, 2018
Century at Lord’s, 2021
Century at… pic.twitter.com/EoieAqeTFL

— Adhirajsinh Jadeja AJ 🇮🇳 (@AdhirajHJadeja) June 23, 2025

Intl Centuries by 𝗞𝗟 𝗥𝗮𝗵𝘂𝗹

In India - 4
Outisde India - 14*

Overseas Monster🥶🐐#KLRahul #INDVENG pic.twitter.com/YcAKFZwIsj

— BEAST (@BEASTKLR) June 23, 2025

KL Rahul's centuries outside home in Tests:

Century at Sydney, 2015
Century at Colombo, 2015
Century at Kingston, 2016
Century at The Oval, 2018
Century at Lord’s, 2021
Century at Centurion, 2021
Century at Centurion, 2023
Century in Leeds, 2025 #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/eXPFpjBQVx

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) June 23, 2025

A much-deserved century by KL Rahul
He looks very comfortable
pic.twitter.com/wQSxKqONm9

— Lucifer (@LuciferCric) June 23, 2025

𝑪𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑼𝑹𝒀 𝑭𝑶𝑹 𝑲𝑳 𝑹𝑨𝑯𝑼𝑳! 💯

9th Test century for KL Rahul, and 4th against England. His last Test ton came in 2023. pic.twitter.com/IpNVjdQ08C

— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) June 23, 2025

India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant lit up Headingley on Day 2 of the 1st Test against England with a stunning century, celebrating it with his now-infamous acrobatic celebration. Pant got to his 7th Test hundred in classic style, scoring 100 off 146 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and 4 big sixes. As soon as he hit the milestone, he thrilled fans by pulling off a clean backflip—his signature move.

This is not the first time Pant has showcased this athletic celebration. Earlier this year during the IPL, the Lucknow Super Giants skipper had celebrated in the same fashion after reaching a century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His repeated use of the somersault move has now become a part of his special cricketing persona, winning praise from fans as well as fellow cricketers.

Notably, this was Pant’s 3rd Test century on English soil, solidifying his reputation as a formidable batter in overseas conditions. But beyond the numbers, this celebration was also more symbolic than anything else. It was a moment of happiness for fans of cricket who had been eagerly waiting for Pant's return to form following a near-fatal road accident in December 2022.

A Comeback to Remember

Pant’s journey back to cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. He had suffered multiple injuries when his car collided with a road divider on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. Traveling to his hometown of Roorkee, Pant was initially taken to a nearby hospital before being shifted to Dehradun. He had sustained serious injuries to his head, back, and feet, and his career hung in the balance.

Watch the video here

ONE OF THE GREATEST CELEBRATION IN CRICKET - PANT 🥶 pic.twitter.com/WwGqii9wFc

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 21, 2025

See Also: Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal opens up to Dhruv Jurel after smashing maiden Test century in England

Ahead of the England series, Pant had opened up about the emotional and physical toll the recovery took on him. “Coming forward, the last two years have been tough coming back from the (car) accident, but at the same time I want to be an individual who is learning each and every day. See, for me, after my accident, just being on the ground and making people believe that I can come back and the kind of love they have shown me, it’s always going to be special for me,” he had said.