Rishabh Pant's remarkable performance in the ongoing Test match against England at Headingley has captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide. The young wicketkeeper-batter etched his name in the record books by becoming only the second wicketkeeper, after Zimbabwe's Andy Flower, to score centuries in both innings of a Test match. His twin centuries – 134 in the first innings and 118 in the second – not only showcased his exceptional talent but also solidified his growing legacy in the sport.
Pant's achievement sparked celebrations both on and off the field. Among those keenly observing Pant's heroics was the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, who was present in the stands. Gavaskar, known for his astute observations and insightful commentary, was visibly impressed by Pant's batting display.
Following Pant's first-innings century, he celebrated with a somersault, a move that has become something of a signature celebration for the dynamic player. When Pant reached his century in the second innings, Gavaskar, with a sense of playful encouragement, gestured from the stands, seemingly requesting Pant to repeat the acrobatic feat.
According to reports, Gavaskar later revealed his thought process behind the gesture. He humorously admitted that he himself "wanted to do the backstand" if he could execute it successfully. Gavaskar's admiration for Pant's athleticism and celebratory style was evident when he stated he wanted Pant to replicate his somersault celebration.
Pant, however, had other plans. While acknowledging Gavaskar's request with a gesture indicating "later," he opted for a different celebration, emulating footballer Dele Alli's viral hand gesture from 2018. Despite not performing the somersault at that moment, Pant's response suggested that he might consider it at some point during the series.
Pant's twin centuries have not only earned him accolades but have also placed him in an elite group of Indian cricketers. He joins the likes of Dilip Vengsarkar and Sachin Tendulkar as one of the few to score four Test centuries in England. Notably, he has surpassed even Virat Kohli in this regard. Furthermore, his seventh Test century makes him the Indian wicketkeeper with the most centuries in Test cricket, surpassing MS Dhoni.
Gavaskar's playful interaction with Pant underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect shared between generations of Indian cricketers. It also highlights Pant's growing influence on the game, not just through his run-scoring but also through his unique personality and celebratory expressions. While Gavaskar may have jokingly wished to attempt a backstand himself, it is clear that he, like many others, is thoroughly enjoying watching Rishabh Pant's exciting journey in international cricket.