Rishabh Pant wasted no time in getting to work at Headingley on Friday, delivering a powerful shot just moments after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fine century came to an end. Jaiswal, who had anchored India’s innings with a composed yet commanding 101 off 159 balls, fell to England captain Ben Stokes — giving the hosts a much-needed breakthrough after a testing first session. The young opener’s knock, his fifth Test century and third against England, showcased his growing stature as India’s next batting mainstay in the post-Kohli-Rohit era. After his wicket, Pant walked in with India looking to build on Jaiswal’s platform and wasted no time stamping his authority. Facing Stokes, the wicketkeeper-batter pushed his first delivery to the on-side, but stepped out of the crease and drove it straight back past the bowler for a crisp four down the ground in the second ball he faced. The shot drew a big laugh from Stokes himself. The England skipper, amused by Pant’s typically fearless approach, exchanged a few words and chuckled, while Pant stayed focused, eyes set on steering India to a big first-innings total. Pant, coming in at number five and acting as the vice-captain of this young Indian team, will look to make the most of his innings on Day 1. He is joined by captain Shubman Gill, who has announced his arrival as captain with a solid half century.
With the series marking the start of India’s new Test cycle under Shubman Gill’s leadership, Pant’s presence in the middle promises more fireworks as the visitors aim to post an imposing score and set the tone for the rest of the series.