Sunil Gavaskar in awe after Rishabh Pant's Headingley heroics. (Photo Source - Twitter/X)
Rishabh Pantscored his seventh Test century and third in England, during the first Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, at Headingley, Leeds, on Saturday, June 21. The wicketkeeper-batter was at his flamboyant best at the picturesque venue, as he took the England bowlers to the cleaners.
Pant finished unbeaten on 65 off 102 balls on Day 1, helping India get into a commanding position at 359/3. On Day 2, he went from strength to strength and brought up his century with a vintage one-handed six off Shoaib Bashir. After getting to the magical three-figure mark, the 27-year-old treated the crowd to a somersault celebration.
Pant did not have a great outing in the Border-Gavaskar series, as he flattered to deceive on several occasions. His shot selection was also questioned by many, including the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. After Pant threw his wicket away by playing an audacious ramp shot off Scott Boland at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the former India captain lost his cool and lashed out at the Delhi cricketer.
"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid," Gavaskar reacted in anger while doing commentary. "You've got two fielders there and you still go for that (shot). You had missed the previous shot, and look where you've been caught. You've been caught at deep third-man," he added.
This rant went viral in minutes, and Pant even recreated the scene in a promotional video ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. However, after Pant redeemed himself by scoring a crucial first-innings century against England on Saturday, June 21, Gavaskar praised the 27-year-old with a unique twist.
"Superb! Superb! Superb," Gavaskar said on air. "Absolutely terrific batting by the young man," the 75-year-old added.
England bowlers were on fire on Day 2 of the first Test in the five-match series between India and England. India were in a comfortable position at 430/3 but the hosts regrouped and took the last seven wickets in quick time. The tourists were looking good to post a 550-plus total, but they were eventually bowled out for 471. Shubman Gill (147), Pant (134), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) were the top performers for India.
Josh Tongue and Ben Stokes were the pick of the bowlers as they finished with four wickets apiece. Meanwhile, Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir bagged one wicket each. Chris Woakes was the only England bowler who remained wicketless.
