Daijiworld Media Network – Leeds

Leeds, Jun 24: Rishabh Pant has delivered a stellar performance in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, slamming centuries in both innings of the first Test at Headingley. The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter became only the second player in history after Zimbabwe's Andy Flower to achieve twin tons in a single Test match.

Pant scored 134 in the first innings and followed it up with a blistering 118 in the second, helping India set a formidable target of 371 runs for England. He shared a 195-run partnership with KL Rahul, who top-scored with 137. Pant’s knock included 15 fours and 3 sixes, with England spinner Shoaib Bashir eventually dismissing him caught in the deep.

As India ended their second innings at 364, England were 21/0 at Stumps on Day 4, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett unbeaten on 12 and 9 respectively.

Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison praised Pant’s fearless style of play, calling him "box office" and advising India's head coach Gautam Gambhir to not interfere with his natural instincts. “Let the boy play, let him go,” Harmison said on TalkSport Cricket. “If you're a coach of Rishabh Pant, I'd be terrified to try and get into his head.”

Harmison also noted Pant’s impact on Indian cricket, stating, “He’s third now on the all-time list of six-hitters for India after Sehwag and Rohit. His game is a mix of control and random madness just what makes him a game-changer.”

With this explosive return to form, Pant has reaffirmed his place as one of the most dynamic batters in modern Test cricket, drawing admiration from fans and experts alike.