Rishabh Pant's magnificent century against England at Headingley has not only solidified his position as a key player in the IndianTest team but has also prompted a remarkable change of heart from the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar, known for his forthright opinions and unwavering standards, was effusive in his praise of Pant, marking a significant shift from his previous criticisms of the young wicketkeeper-batsman.

Pant's innings, a blend of calculated aggression and solid defense, saw him reach his seventh Test century, surpassing MS Dhoni's record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. He reached the milestone in style, launching Shoaib Bashir for a six over long-on, a shot that epitomized his fearless approach. The century was followed by Pant's signature front-flip celebration, a display of youthful exuberance that has become synonymous with his personality.

Gavaskar's reaction to Pant's century was nothing short of sensational. The former India captain, who had previously lambasted Pant for his reckless shot selection during a Test match against Australia, calling it "stupid, stupid, stupid," was now singing a completely different tune. On air, Gavaskar exclaimed, "Superb, superb, superb! Absolutely terrific by the young man!" The repetition of "superb" underscored the magnitude of Gavaskar's admiration for Pant's innings.

The transformation in Gavaskar's assessment reflects Pant's evolution as a cricketer. In the past, Pant was often criticized for his impetuous shot-making and perceived lack of responsibility. However, his innings at Headingley demonstrated a newfound maturity and composure. He paced his innings expertly, initially focusing on building a solid foundation before unleashing his attacking prowess.

Gavaskar himself acknowledged Pant's growth, noting his measured approach and ability to capitalize on tiring bowlers. "He's been measured in his approach, giving himself time out in the middle," Gavaskar observed. "But once he's in and the bowlers start to tire, that's when he begins to step down the pitch and really attack." He further added that Pant has a great blend of defence and attack, starting with solid defence and then shifting to attack.

Pant's century was not just about individual brilliance; it was also a crucial contribution to India's dominance in the first Test. His partnership with Shubman Gill, who also scored a century, put India in a commanding position. Pant's innings also saw him achieve several milestones, including surpassing MS Dhoni to become Asia's most successful wicketkeeper in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) conditions and reaching 3,000 Test runs.

Gavaskar's change of heart towards Pant is a testament to the young cricketer's talent, resilience, and determination to improve. It also highlights Gavaskar's willingness to reassess his opinions based on performance. Pant's century at Headingley was a defining moment in his career, one that not only etched his name in the record books but also won over one of his most prominent critics.