Rishabh Pant showcased his exuberance and skill during the first Test at Leeds between England and India, celebrating his maiden century of 2025 with an impressive front flip. Captain Ben Stokes opted to bowl first, a decision that likely caused him some regret as India ended the first day at a remarkable 3-359, with key performances from Shubman Gill (127 not out) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101).
Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed his astonishment at Stokes’ choice to bowl, while Pant began the day with a solid 65 and later reached his century with a six off Shoaib Bashir. His century came off 146 balls, amidst cheers from the Headingley crowd. Notably, commentators like Ian Ward highlighted Pant’s performance, labelling it “extraordinary” and celebrating his vibrant personality, describing him as “one of the great entertainers.”
Pant went on to score 147 before being dismissed by Josh Tongue, having captivated the crowd with his high-energy style. Ollie Pope contributed to England’s efforts by executing a remarkable catch to dismiss Karun Nair, which added to Stokes’ count of wickets for the day.
Though Pant’s innings, which drew admiration from all corners, was a highlight, India faced challenges in their batting line-up. After Pant’s dismissal, the team faltered, losing momentum with Shardul Thakur also falling cheaply for just 1 run. This drastic shift left India in a state of disarray, collapsing to 7-454 after a sudden string of losses following Gill’s wicket.
With Pant showcasing his flair and prowess, the match set the stage for intense competition and highlighted the ups and downs that can define a Test match.