• KL Rahul dazzled with a resilient and stylish century anchoring India’s second innings to a big lead at Headingley Test against England.

  • By the end of the second session on Day 4, India have reached 298/4 in their second innings, stretching their lead to 304 runs.

Fans go gaga as KL Rahul smashes a sensational century on Day 4 of the ENG vs IND Headingley Test
Fans go gaga as KL Rahul smashes a sensational century on Day 4 of the ENG vs IND Headingley Test (Image source: X)

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The highly anticipated England vs India 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds, kicked off the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with a contest that has lived up to every bit of its billing. Beginning on June 20, 2025, both teams have traded blows in a match that has seen momentum swing back and forth. After India eked out a slender first-innings lead, thanks to a Jasprit Bumrah five-wicket haul, Day 4 saw the visitors looking to build a formidable target for England to chase in the final innings.

KL Rahul’s classy century against England filled with grit and grace

As the Headingley crowd braved the overcast skies, all eyes were on KL Rahul, who walked out with determination etched on his face. India had lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early in the second innings, and the pressure was palpable. Rahul, however, was the epitome of composure. He weathered the early movement, played late, and unfurled a series of elegant cover drives and straight pushes that drew applause from fans and pundits alike.

Rahul’s innings was not just about flair, it was about resilience. He survived a sharp chance on 58 when Harry Brook put him down in the slips, and made England pay dearly for that lapse. His partnership with Rishabh Pant proved pivotal, as the duo steadily rebuilt after the loss of Shubman Gill early on Day 4. Rahul’s 100 came off 202 balls, a knock marked by 13 boundaries and a strike rate that reflected his ability to shift gears as needed. The moment he reached his century with a trademark cover drive for two fans erupted, both at Headingley and across social media.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: ENG vs IND: KL Rahul joins elite company, equals Virender Sehwag’s SENA record in Test cricket

India in commanding position against England on Day 4 

By the end of the second session on Day 4, India have reached 298/4 in their second innings, stretching their lead to 304 runs. The scoreboard told a story of recovery and dominance: Rahul unbeaten on 120, Pant playing his natural attacking game smashed a ton himself. The morning had started with England striking early, Brydon Carse removing Gill for just 8, but Rahul and Pant’s partnership blunted the English attack and shifted the pressure firmly back onto the hosts. The Headingley pitch, offering only occasional swing and spin, seemed to flatten out as the day progressed, allowing India’s batters to accumulate runs with increasing ease. With the highest successful chase at this ground being 404, India’s growing lead looked ever more imposing. The England bowlers, despite their best efforts, struggled to find breakthroughs as Rahul and Karun Nair kept the scoreboard ticking.

Also READ: Highest 3rd innings score at Headingley – How much total India need to post against England in Leeds Test?

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.