Rishabh Pant Scores Twin Tons, Yet India Lose - Familiar And Painful Pattern

India started their World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign with a setback, losing the first Test against England by 5 wickets at Leeds. Despite setting a target of 371 runs and producing five centuries, India couldn’t secure a win under new captain Shubman Gill.

Rishabh Pant’s Brilliance Overshadowed

Rishabh Pant was the standout performer, scoring centuries in both innings. He smashed 134 runs in the first innings (12 fours, 6 sixes) and followed it up with 118 off 140 balls in the second (15 fours, 3 sixes). However, his incredible effort couldn’t lift India to victory.

Pant’s Overseas Century Curse Continues

Pant’s performance at Leeds reflects a recurring pattern in his Test career — India often loses when he scores a century abroad. This was the fifth time Pant scored a century outside India, and on four of those occasions, the team ended up losing. The remaining match ended in a draw.

Great Individual Form, Limited Team Support

Pant has consistently delivered with the bat, but lack of support from other departments continues to cost India. The Leeds Test was yet another example of individual brilliance not being enough to secure a team win.

England take 1-0 lead

England defeated India by five wickets on the final day of the first Test at Leeds, taking a 1–0 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series. Chasing a challenging target of 371 runs, England reached 373/5, marking their second-highest successful run chase in Test cricket on home soil.

The win was powered by a brilliant century from Ben Duckett and solid half-centuries by Zak Crawley and Joe Root, who steered England to victory with composed batting on Day 5.

The defeat is a tough start for India in the World Test Championship 2025–27, and the team will look to bounce back in the second Test starting July 2 in Birmingham.

Match Summary

England won the toss and chose to bowl first.

India posted 471 runs in their first innings.

England replied with 465, trailing by just six runs.

In their second innings, India scored 364, setting England a target of 371.

England chased it down comfortably on the final day, finishing at 373/5.

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