India’s newly appointed vice-captain Rishabh Pant continued to dominate England’s attack on Day 2 of the opening Test at Headingley, bringing up a sensational seventh Test century. Following a strong finish on Day 1 alongside captain Shubman Gill, Pant picked up right where he left off, frustrating the English bowlers with his typical fearless flair and controlled aggression.
Pant’s hundred came off 146 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and 4 sixes—each stroke a reminder of his match-winning potential. With this century, the 26-year-old edged past MS Dhoni (6) to become the Indian wicketkeeper with the most centuries in Test cricket, underlining his emergence as the nation’s premier gloveman in the red-ball format.
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At the other end, Shubman Gill continued to anchor the innings and crept closer to a personal milestone of 150, having already announced his arrival as India’s Test captain in grand style with a century on Day 1.
Rishabh Pant 🔥 #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/lqD4XgAfXb
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India had begun this match with questions hovering over their transition into a post-Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma era. But the manner in which Jaiswal and Gill responded has offered clarity and confidence about the future. The duo not only steadied the innings after a mini-collapse—when KL Rahul (42) and debutant Sai Sudharsan (0) departed in quick succession—but also built a formidable 129-run stand that laid a solid foundation.
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Jaiswal’s measured 101 off 159 balls came despite challenging conditions early on, where he adjusted his natural attacking instincts to counter the movement and bounce. In contrast, Gill’s composed knock, now well past the three-figure mark, exuded leadership and control, signalling the start of a new era in Indian Test cricket.
Their performances aren’t just centuries on the scoresheet; they are statements. They confirm that India’s next generation of batting talent is not just ready, but thriving under pressure. With Pant joining the party on Day 2, India’s young core has made it abundantly clear that the transition is in full swing—and in the right direction.
