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Cricket history is often written in moments of individual brilliance, and few feats shine brighter than scoring centuries in both innings of a Test match, especially on foreign soil. For Indian batters, this achievement is a rare testament to skill, temperament, and adaptability. In the first Test of Anderson-Tendulkar trophy 2025, Rishabh Pant etched his name into this exclusive list with a pair of audacious centuries at Headingley, Leeds, against England, further cementing his legacy as one of India’s most fearless Test cricketers.
Rishabh Pant’s Headingley heroics of twin tons against England
Pant’s performance in the first Test at Headingley was nothing short of spectacular. Walking in with India precariously placed at 92/3 in the second innings, Pant unleashed his trademark blend of aggression and innovation. His first-innings 134 was a masterclass in counterattacking cricket, filled with audacious strokes and a fearless approach against a potent English attack.
In the second innings, Pant initially curbed his natural instincts, but once settled, he accelerated, smashing 118 off 140 balls, peppered with 15 boundaries and three sixes. His shot selection ranged from powerful drives to innovative sweeps, including a memorable slog-sweep off a 140 km/h delivery from Brydon Carse. Throughout, Pant’s self-talk—captured by stump mics—offered a glimpse into his unique mindset, balancing risk with self-awareness.
Pant’s twin tons not only gave India a commanding lead but also made him the first Indian to score centuries in both innings of a Test in England and only the second wicketkeeper in Test history, after Andy Flower, to achieve this feat. His aggregate of 252 runs in the match is the highest by an Indian wicketkeeper in a Test, breaking a record that stood for over half a century.
List of Indian batters with away twin centuries
Pant’s historic achievement places him among a select group of Indian batters who have scored centuries in both innings of a Test outside India. Here’s a closer look at the legends who share this rare distinction:
1. Vijay Hazare (1948, Adelaide vs Australia)
Vijay Hazare was the trailblazer, becoming the first Indian to score centuries in both innings of a Test. His scores of 116 and 145 against Australia in Adelaide set the benchmark for future generations, though India lost the match.
2. Sunil Gavaskar (1971, Port of Spain vs West Indies & 1978, Karachi vs Pakistan)
Sunil Gavaskar’s debut series was the stuff of legend. At Port of Spain, he scored 124 and 220, the only Indian to notch a 100 and a 200 in the same Test. He repeated the twin centuries feat in Karachi (111 & 137), single-handedly battling Pakistan’s formidable attack.
Also READ: Top 5: Highest 4th innings run chases in Tests at Headingley, Leeds
3. Rahul Dravid (1999, Hamilton vs New Zealand)
Rahul Dravid, the “Wall” stood tall with a gritty 190 in the first innings and an unbeaten 103 in the second, displaying technical excellence and unwavering concentration on a difficult pitch.
4. Virat Kohli (2014, Adelaide vs Australia)
Virat Kohli announced his Test captaincy era with style, scoring 115 and 141 in Adelaide. His aggressive yet controlled batting almost led India to a famous chase.
5. Rishabh Pant (2025, Leeds vs England)
Pant’s 134 and 118 made him the first Indian wicketkeeper to achieve this feat, and the first Indian to do so in England, joining an exclusive club of global greats.
These performances are not just statistical milestones they are stories of resilience, skill, and the ability to rise to the occasion on foreign soil. Each knock is etched in cricketing folklore, and with Pant’s latest exploits, the tradition of Indian brilliance abroad continues to inspire.
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