Rishabh Pant, who has equalled Virat Kohli’s record of five centuries in England, is now just one century away from surpassing the veteran.
The Indian vice-captain is in the form of his life, having recently scored a record-breaking twin hundred against England in the 1st Test. His form with the bat has been a menace for England, as he gave them a tough time in both innings with his dramatic knocks. Despite Pant’s valiant efforts, he ended up on the losing side, as England pulled off a record chase to defeat India by five wickets at Headingley.
Pant Inches Closer to History with Century Spree Against England
Pant, who already has three centuries against England, has now equalled Virat Kohli’s long-standing record of five Test centuries against them. He is now one century away from overtaking Kohli and will equal former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who has six centuries against the Three Lions.
Statistically, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid lead the list with seven Test centuries each against England.
Most Centuries by an Indian batter against England in Test Cricket:
Sachin Tendulkar - 7 Centuries in 62 innings
Rahul Dravid - 6 centuries in 73 innings
Mohammed Azaruddin - 6 Centuries in 78 innings
Virat Kohli - 6 Centuries in 41 innings
Rishabh Pant - 5 Centuries in 23 innings
Pant’s Somersault Celebration Draws Warning from Doctor Post-Recovery
Pant’s signature somersault celebration has been trending lately. He has been doing it every time he reaches the three-figure mark during his current streak of three consecutive international centuries.
Speaking about it, Pant’s doctor, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, advised him not to continue the move regularly, especially after treating his leg following the near-fatal car accident he suffered in 2022.
“Rishabh trained as a gymnast. Although he looks large, he is quite agile, and he does have a lot of flexibility. And that’s why he’s been doing those somersaults of late,” said Pardiwala in an interview with The Telegraph.
“It’s a well-practised and perfected move — unnecessary though!” the doctor added.
Pant has begun the series strongly as India’s new Test vice-captain and has been chasing records ever since, breaking MS Dhoni’s Test century record and becoming the first Asian player to score a twin century in Test cricket. The megastar will be in action again on June 2 for the 2nd Test against England in Birmingham.
