ENG Vs IND, 1st Test: Sunil Gavaskar Gestures Rishabh Pant To Do Somersault, India Star Surprises Everyone With Unique Celebration After Another Ton In Leeds; Video
Rishabh Pant, the heartbeat of India’s batting in the first Test against England at Headingley, once again brought the crowd to life with a masterful century in the second innings. However, this time it wasn’t just his bat that got attention; it was his unexpected choice of celebration.
Having already delighted fans with a somersault after scoring 134 runs in the first innings, an innings packed with 12 boundaries and 6 sixes, Pant was expected to repeat his athletic celebration in the second innings. This expectation wasn't limited to fans; legendary former India captain Sunil Gavaskar even mentioned during commentary that he hoped to see “another somersault” if Pant reached three figures again.
And Pant did just that with the bat, reaching his century in 130 balls, decorated with 13 boundaries and 2 sixes. But when the moment arrived, he threw a curveball. Instead of flipping through the air, Pant performed the famous Dele Alli eye celebration, placing his hand over one eye in a now-viral gesture first popularized by English footballer Dele Alli.
The unexpected twist drew laughter in the commentary box and smiles across the field. Gavaskar himself couldn’t help but chuckle, acknowledging Pant’s playful defiance. It was a moment that reflected Pant’s unique personality: cheeky, entertaining, and always full of surprises.
While his celebrations grabbed attention, Pant’s twin centuries in the match have been vital for India’s strong position in the Test. His blend of control and aggression has frustrated the English bowlers across both innings.
Rishabh Pant completes 150 dismissals in Test cricket
Meanwhile, Team India's vice-captain completed a massive milestone as far as his keeping statistics go, completing 150 dismissals in the format on day 3. The landmark came after Prasidh Krishna got Ollie Pope to nick off for 106. The southpaw took one more catch on day 3 when Stokes edged one off Mohammed Siraj's bowling in the 65th over of the innings.
Despite those two scalps, Harry Brook continued to score freely as the home side went to lunch at 327/5 after beginning at 209/3. The home side were eventually bowled out for 465, whittling down India's lead by 6 runs. India finished day 3 at 90/2, holding a 96-run lead.
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