Historic Feat in Leeds: India’s Batting Firepower Shocks England
Leeds – Team India created history at Headingley during the first Test of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, equalling Australia’s 70-year-old record of most individual centuries in an away Test match. With five Indian batters reaching triple digits, the visitors have stunned hosts England in what many are calling a dream start under the leadership of Shubman Gill
India’s Centurions at Headingley Test
- 🧢 Shubman Gill – 147
- 🧤 Rishabh Pant – 134 & 118 (Both Innings)
- 🏏 KL Rahul – 137
- 🧒 Yashasvi Jaiswal – 101
India’s top-order delivered a complete masterclass against a full-strength English bowling lineup featuring Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, and Shoaib Bashir.
Rishabh Pant Enters Record Books with Twin Tons
India’s flamboyant wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test match. His scores of 134 and 118 also made him just the second wicketkeeper globally to achieve this rare feat.
🧤 Wicketkeeper Batters with Twin Centuries in a Test:
| Player | Opponent | Year | Innings Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andy Flower | South Africa | 2001 | 142 & 199* |
| Rishabh Pant | England | 2025 | 134 & 118 |
India Equals Australia’s 1955 Record
India’s feat of five individual centuries in a single away Test matches Australia’s legendary 1955 Kingston performance against the West Indies. Here’s how they compare:
🏏 Australia – Kingston Test (1955):
- Colin McDonald – 127
- Neil Harvey – 204
- Keith Miller – 109
- Ron Archer – 128
- Richie Benaud – 121
🇮🇳 India – Headingley Test (2025):
- Jaiswal – 101
- Gill – 147
- Rahul – 137
- Pant – 134 & 118
A New Era Begins Under Shubman Gill
The 2025–27 WTC cycle marks a fresh chapter for Indian cricket after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Newly appointed captain Shubman Gill has made an emphatic statement with a stellar 147-run knock, guiding a young Indian team in unfamiliar English conditions.
England’s Bowling Attack Left Helpless
Despite featuring a relatively experienced lineup, England’s bowlers found little success against India’s deep batting unit. Stokes and Woakes were unable to find breakthroughs at crucial moments, while Bashir’s spin couldn’t contain the aggressive strokeplay of Pant and Gill.
India’s Test Batting Depth on Display
India’s performance at Headingley reflects not just individual brilliance, but incredible depth and maturity in their batting ranks. With centuries from both openers and the middle order, this Test could become a defining moment in India’s WTC campaign.
Quick Recap: India’s Batting Highlights in the Test
| Batsman | Innings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 1st | 101 |
| Shubman Gill | 1st | 147 |
| KL Rahul | 2nd | 137 |
| Rishabh Pant | 1st | 134 |
| Rishabh Pant | 2nd | 118 |
What’s Next for India?
With a commanding performance in the first Test, India has not only taken a lead in the five-match series but also made a strong start in the new WTC cycle. All eyes will now be on how England responds in the second Test and whether India can maintain this momentum.
Conclusion
India’s historic outing in Leeds has not only equaled an iconic record but also set the tone for their 2025–27 World Test Championship journey. With Rishabh Pant’s twin centuries, Gill’s captaincy masterclass, and overall team dominance, India has served notice to the cricketing world — this new generation is ready to take over.
FAQs
1. How many centuries did India score in the Headingley Test?
India scored five individual centuries, matching Australia’s record from 1955.
2. Who scored centuries for India in the match?
Jaiswal, Gill, KL Rahul, and Pant (twice) reached three figures.
3. Who is the first Indian wicketkeeper to score two centuries in a Test?
Rishabh Pant is the first Indian wicketkeeper to achieve this feat.
4. What record did India equal in this Test?
India equaled Australia’s record of five centuries in an away Test, set in 1955.
5. What does this mean for India’s WTC campaign?
This win gives India a strong start to the 2025–27 WTC cycle under new captain Shubman Gill.