Why Does Gavaskar Want Pant to Celebrate with a Somersault?

Leeds, June 23 (NationPress) Sunil Gavaskar and Rishabh Pant kept the excitement alive on Day 4 of the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley on Monday. The left-handed batsman followed his impressive 134 in the first innings with a 118 in the second, making history as the first wicket-keeper batsman to achieve a century in both innings.

Additionally, he stands as the sole Indian to hit centuries in both innings of a Test match in England.

Pant's signature somersault celebration has gained significant attention, particularly following his first innings century. However, the vice-captain opted not to perform the celebration upon reaching his eighth Test ton. Cameras captured Gavaskar in the stands, enthusiastically urging Pant to execute the somersault flip as he celebrated his century.

This moment further highlighted the unique bond between the two. During the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Gavaskar had described Pant’s dismissal as 'Stupid. Stupid. Stupid' before praising his first innings hundred against England at Headingley as 'Superb. Superb. Superb'.

Pant arrived at the crease after Indian captain Shubman Gill was dismissed in the opening over of the day by Brydon Carse. The 27-year-old began his innings with his characteristic aggressive style but showed respect for the playing conditions.

After scoring 31 off 59 balls before lunch, he ramped up the pressure on the English bowlers, particularly Shoaib Bashir, reaching his century in just 130 balls.

Following his century, Pant was dismissed while bolstering India's score to 118, out to Joe Root.

Former India player Deep Dasgupta commended Pant’s capability to bat with the resilience of one of India’s finest, Cheteshwar Pujara, before quickly shifting gears when necessary.

“The initial phase of Pant’s innings was thrilling—he attempted to leverage the strong wind for his advantage, playing aggressive shots. However, he later decided to switch his approach entirely. This is the beauty of Pant—his cricketing acumen is remarkable. He abandoned aggressive shots, opting for a defensive stance and not playing any aerial shots after that.

“It reminded me of his versatility. This is the same player who, early in his Test career, experienced a 29-ball duck. He can bat like Pujara for extended periods. We’ve observed him maintain a strike rate of 30 for over an hour during his centuries. It was fascinating to witness the contrast—the two distinct versions of Rishabh Pant in a single session,” Deep remarked on Jio Hotstar’s 'Match Centre Live'.