Sachin Tendulkar erupts with 'calm and flair' reaction, Ganguly euphoric after Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul centuries

By Admin

24 Jun, 2025

India's Test tour of England has taken a thrilling turn, thanks to an incredible batting display at Headingley that left cricket legends applauding with joy. After a closely contested first innings, where India managed only a slender six-run lead, doubts loomed about whether they could repeat a dominant batting performance. Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking to the broadcaster, shared this apprehension, questioning India's ability to replicate their grit. But the Shubman Gill-led side answered with poise and power.

Pant and Rahul Script a Masterclass

With the pressure mounting and the series opener delicately poised, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul rose to the occasion. Pant delivered a breathtaking second-innings knock of 118, marking his eighth Test century and notably, his fourth in England. His achievement placed him in elite company as only the ninth visiting batter to score twin centuries in a single Test match in England. He also became the first Indian wicketkeeper and only the second overall after Zimbabwe's Andy Flower in 2001 to accomplish this rare feat on English soil.

KL Rahul’s composed 137 was equally impactful. It was his third century in England, pushing him past Rahul Dravid to become the Asian opener with the most Test hundreds in the country. Together, the pair stitched a monumental 195-run partnership, shifting momentum entirely in India’s favor and setting England a daunting 371-run target to chase.

Legends Applaud with Emotion

The brilliance of these innings didn’t go unnoticed by cricketing icons. Sachin Tendulkar, known for his measured reactions, took to Twitter to express his admiration, saying:

“.@klrahul’s calm. @RishabhPant17’s flair. Two special knocks. Two proud moments.”

The phrase “calm and flair” perfectly encapsulated the balance these two batters brought to the Indian innings.

Sourav Ganguly, on the other hand, couldn’t hide his excitement. He hailed Pant’s maturity as a Test batsman and acknowledged how crucial Rahul’s century was for India. He tweeted:

“Fantastic from pant .. tremendous test match batsman @RishabhPant .. very important 100 for KL rahul. Needed it .. test match all set ..there will be a winner tmrw .. if there is no rain.”

Looking Ahead

As the match heads into its final day, the stage is set for a potential classic. India, powered by the fire and ice of Pant and Rahul, have not only overcome doubts but have possibly laid the foundation for a historic win weather permitting.