India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant lit up Headingley with a breathtaking century on Day 2 of the first Test against England, but it wasn’t just his runs that sparked conversation—it was his audacious shot selection and the commentary it inspired.
Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, now a broadcaster, summed it up perfectly:
“There’s a difference between sexy and silly. If it comes off, it’s sexy. If it doesn’t, it’s silly. But this is how Rishabh Pant plays”.
🎯 Pant’s Century: A Blend of Patience and Panache
Pant scored 134 off 178 balls, combining early restraint with explosive strokeplay. His innings featured a mix of textbook defense and jaw-dropping innovation—including a roly-poly sweep shot and a one-handed six to bring up his century.
🏏 Record-Breaking Feat
- 7th Test century, surpassing MS Dhoni’s record for most Test tons by an Indian wicketkeeper
- 3rd Test century in England, the most by any visiting wicketkeeper
- Now tied with legends like AB de Villiers and Kumar Sangakkara for Test centuries as a gloveman
🔥 “He Changes Rules”
Pant’s fearless batting has often drawn criticism for being reckless, but his latest knock has reignited the debate around risk vs. reward in modern Test cricket.
“He changes rules,” said Karthik, emphasizing that Pant’s style forces teams to rethink traditional field placements and bowling strategies.
🧠 Controlled Chaos
While Pant’s approach may seem impulsive, his innings at Headingley showed maturity and match awareness. He began cautiously, then shifted gears once India was in a commanding position, proving that his aggression is often calculated, not careless.
Stay tuned for more updates from the IND vs ENG Test series.
