It was a day to remember for Rishabh Panta day where cricket fans witnessed history being rewritten at Headingley. In the first Test match between India and England, Pantknown for his audacious style and fearless battingsmashed his 7th Test century, surpassing none other than the legendary MS Dhoni. But it wasnt just the runs that had the crowd on their feetit was also his celebration and the cheeky commentary that followed.
Lets unpack everything that made this moment iconicfrom stats to strokes and from records to reactions.
Pant Surpasses MS Dhoni: A New Wicketkeeper King Emerges
In what can only be described as a historic innings, Pant broke MS Dhonis long-standing record of most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. With his 7th Test ton, he now stands alone at the top of the leaderboard:
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7 Rishabh Pant
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6 MS Dhoni
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3 Wriddhiman Saha
Whats more poetic? Dhonis last Test century came way back in 2014. Now, a decade later, its Pant who has taken up the mantle, writing his own chapter in India’s cricketing folklore.
The Summerault That Sparked a Storm (And a Joke)
When Pant reached his hundred, he didnt just raise his bat. He flippedliterally. Performing a summersault, the celebration turned heads and gave the fans a moment to talk about for years. Even Sunil Gavaskar couldnt hold back his amusement, quipping:
After that, you need to keep a stretcher and ambulance ready, just in case, said Gavaskar, chuckling on air.
It was a perfect mix of drama, entertainment, and sheer cricketing brilliance.
Pant Destroys Six Records in One Day
Pants heroics didnt stop at just one milestone. The southpaw was on a record-breaking spree.
Here are some jaw-dropping stats from Pants Day 1 and Day 2 innings:
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Most sixes by an Indian in WTC history, surpassing Rohit Sharma (58 and counting).
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Second-most sixes in World Test Championship history, only behind Ben Stokes (83).
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First Indian wicketkeeper to cross 3,000 Test runs in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries.
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Fastest to 7 Test tons among Indian wicketkeepers.
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Became Asias most successful wicketkeeper-batter in overseas (SENA) conditions.
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Shared an unbeaten 138-run partnership with Shubman Gill.
From IPL Disaster to Test Match Glory
Lets not forget where Pant was just weeks agostumbling through a forgettable IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants. Except for one standout century against RCB, his 2025 IPL stint was a nightmare.
But this Test match? A redemption arc in full bloom.
Its as if he took all the criticism, tied it to his bat, and sent it flying over the boundary ropes in Leeds.
Gill and Jaiswal Shine Bright Before Pant Takes Over
Before Pant walked onto the crease, it was Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant skipper Shubman Gill who laid the foundation for Indias dominance.
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Jaiswal: A blazing 101 off 159 balls, featuring 16 fours and a six.
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Gill: A captains knock of 127 off 175 balls*, showing maturity and class.
Together, they pushed India to their highest-ever Day 1 total on English soil: 359/3 at stumps.
And then came Panta force of naturejoining the party and sealing India’s stronghold on the match.
The Art of Controlled Aggression: Pants Signature Style
What makes Pant special isnt just his sixesits the way he balances risk with control. On Day 1, his 65* off 102 balls included:
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6 fours
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2 towering sixes
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Zero fear
When Stokes came on to bowl, Pant didnt hesitate. A boundary off the second ball was enough to remind everyone: this man doesnt play by the ruleshe makes them.
Pant: A Wicketkeeper-Batter Like No Other
To put things in perspective, lets compare Pant with his contemporaries and predecessors:
| Wicketkeeper | Test Centuries | Test Runs | SENA Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pant | 7 | 3000+ | Best among Asians |
| MS Dhoni | 6 | 4876 | Moderate |
| Saha | 3 | 1353 | Average |
Its not even close anymore. Pant is the modern-day prototype of an aggressive Test wicketkeeper who can change the game in one session.
Gavaskars Quip Highlights Pants Wild Style
Sunil Gavaskars light-hearted ambulance remark wasnt just funnyit was telling. Pant brings energy, risk, and a spark thats been missing in Indian Test cricket. Hes the kind of player you just cant ignorenot for his runs, not for his style, and definitely not for his celebrations.
England on the Back Foot: Can They Bounce Back?
Lets talk about the other side. England looked clueless by the end of Day 1 and Day 2. Their bowling lacked sting, and their fielding was flat. With India at 450+, the hosts need a miracle to come back into this match.
The question is: Can they handle Pant again if he bats in the second innings?
Whats Next for Pant?
After this Test, the path is clear for Pant:
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Continue building his legacy as Indias finest Test wicketkeeper-batter.
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Eye 10 Test centuries before the year ends.
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Lead India into the WTC final with confidence.
With performances like this, hes not just a playerhes a phenomenon.
Conclusion
From a wobbly IPL season to dominating in the whites, Rishabh Pant has shown the world that form is temporary, but class is permanentand unpredictable. His 7th Test century, audacious shot-making, and bold celebration have written a fresh chapter in Indian cricket.
MS Dhoni once ruled this kingdom. Now, its Pants to reign.
Read More: Summer Solstice 2025: What It Means, Why It Matters, and How Its Celebrated Around the World
Final Thoughts
Cricket is a game of moments. And when Pant is on strike, you can bet your last rupeeits going to be a moment to remember.
So the next time you see him pull off a summersault after a hundred, maybe keep that ambulance readybut not for him. For the bowlers hes left gasping.
