Leeds, June 24, 2025 – Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant made history with twin centuries in the Headingley Test against England, prompting legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar to make a playful request—with Pant responding, “Maybe later.”
Pant first exploded for 134 in India’s first innings, then followed up with an undefeated 118 in the second innings, becoming only the second wicketkeeper in Test history (after Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower) to score centuries in both innings of the same match. He also joined an elite group of Indians—including Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli—to notch four Test centuries on English soil.
Gavaskar’s Somersault Request Declined By Pant
When Pant reached his second hundred on Day 4, a camera captured Sunil Gavaskar in the stands, eagerly motioning for Pant to perform his trademark somersault celebration. Even Gavaskar gestured with his hands, requesting Pant to pull it off, but Pant politely declined to oblige. Instead, Pant gave a confident thumbs-up and gestured that the celebration could wait. Sanjay Manjrekar chimed in light-heartedly, saying, “Maybe later.”
Rishabh Pant Century Celebration #RishabhPant #rp17 #INDvsENGTest pic.twitter.com/zcdtooEEvX
— Jamal Ahmad (@jamaalahmad786) June 23, 2025
🔥 Pant’s Masterclass
- Strategic Adaptation: During his second-innings century, Pant started with aggressive, unorthodox shots before phones coped—then switched to a more cautious pace, shepherding India to 153/3 at lunch and eventually ending at 364 all out
- Historic Milestones: His two centuries brought his match tally to 252 runs with four Tests remaining, a dramatic turnaround after a modest start in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he managed just 255 runs in five Tests
- Massive Partnership: Pant and KL Rahul added 195 runs for the fourth wicket, thrusting India into a commanding position with a massive lead of 371
Gavaskar’s Humorous Comeback
Gavaskar, who had harshly criticised Pant earlier in the series, first for a reckless shot in Australia (“stupid, stupid, stupid”) and then praised him with “superb, superb, superb” in Yorkshire, couldn’t help but revel in Pant’s performance. His playful somersault request added a light-hearted twist to a high-stakes day of Test cricket.
Players & Commentators React
Sachin Tendulkar praised the contrasting styles of his countrymen, saying:
“KL Rahul’s calm, Rishabh Pant’s flair … special knocks.”
Ravi Shastri lauded Pant’s approach as a blend of daring and strategy:
“Defies logic, but … sharp cricket brain hidden beneath his showmanship.”
Sanjiv Goenka, owner of Lucknow Super Giants, summed it up simply:
“Two good”—highlighting Pant’s aggression and KL Rahul’s composed century.
Cheteshwar Pujara was in awe of the somersault:
“Rishabh being Rishabh … unique. No one expected him to do that.”
Dinesh Karthik praised both Pant’s wicketkeeping and batting flair:
“Neither could I do the somersault like him, nor can I bat like him … he has exceeded expectations.”
Even Michael Vaughan kidded that while waiting for a second flip, it was intriguing to see Pant instead use a gesture to thank the gods.
Match Highlights
Pant and KL Rahul stitched together a 195-run partnership, putting India in a powerful position with England ending Day 4 at 21/0 chasing 371
Pant became only the second wicketkeeper-batsman ever to record twin Test centuries (after Andy Flower)
He joined the elite Indian list—Dilip Vengsarkar, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli—for four Test centuries in England .
India’s Dominant Lead
With England clocking 21/0 at stumps on Day 4, India’s sizeable lead of 350+ runs firmly puts them in control. Pant’s fearless century in the second innings, supported by KL Rahul’s composed knock, ensures India are on the brink of a commanding victory