India Vs England, 1st Test: Rishabh Pant Becomes First Indian Wicketkeeper With Hundreds In Both Innings

Rishabh Pant continues to redefine the role of a modern Test wicketkeeper with a truly iconic performance at Headingley, Leeds. On Day 4 of the first Test against England, the 26-year-old etched his name into the record books by becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test match — a rare and remarkable feat in the longest format.

Pant, who had already laid a solid foundation for India with a sparkling 134 in the first innings, returned in the second with the same hunger and flair, smashing an equally impactful 118 off just 130 balls. His counter-attacking century not only pulled India out of a tricky situation but also demoralized England’s bowling attack, particularly taking young spinner Shoaib Bashir to the cleaners with his fearless strokeplay.

With this latest milestone, Pant now joins an elite group of just 10 Indian cricketers to have scored centuries in both innings of a Test — a list that includes legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, and Virat Kohli. But more significantly, Pant became only the second wicketkeeper in Test history — after Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower in 2001 — to achieve this incredible feat.

This was Pant’s eighth Test century, cementing his position as India’s most prolific wicketkeeper-batter in red-ball cricket. In just 44 matches, he has already surpassed MS Dhoni’s tally for most Test runs by an Indian wicketkeeper in England — a testament to his consistency and impact on challenging overseas tours.

His second innings ton came at a crucial time, with India under pressure and the lead still not out of England’s reach. But Pant turned the tide with his trademark aggression — paddling, sweeping, and charging with supreme confidence. He played the game on his terms, staying true to his attacking instincts, and in doing so, handed India a position of strength with a massive lead.