Leeds: Rishabh Pant produced yet another magical knock in Test cricket, scoring a fluent century that dazzled the crowd at Headingley and further reinforced his status as one of India’s finest red-ball cricketers. As India strengthened their position on Day 2 of the opening Test against England, cricket experts Sanjay Manjrekar and Stuart Broad hailed Pant’s brilliance and Ben Stokes’ inspirational leadership on Match Centre Live.
Reflecting on Pant’s performance, Sanjay Manjrekar made a bold declaration:
“By far, India’s greatest ever Test batter-keeper. I was a bit nervous when he reached the 90s — he’s had so many 90s in his career — but this time, he crossed the mark with flair. The way English fans stood up and applauded was a beautiful moment. They came to see good cricket, and Pant gave them that in abundance. He’s unpredictable, fearless, and has this rare quality of turning matches on their head.”
Stuart Broad echoed that sentiment, applauding the Headingley crowd’s reaction:
“That was one of the loudest receptions I’ve heard for a visiting batter in England. The crowd loved every bit of Pant’s innings — the audacity, the switch-ups, the sheer entertainment. You didn’t know what to expect next — one ball he’s leaving it alone, the next he’s scooping it behind square. It had everything Test cricket fans want: drama, flair, and moments that stick in your memory. It was box office stuff.”
Pant’s attacking century was supported by a calm Shubman Gill and a solid middle order, helping India post an imposing total. However, England’s fightback came in the form of Ben Stokes, who took charge with the ball.
Manjrekar was impressed by Stokes’ impact as a bowler:
“He’s a game-changer. When Stokes is fit to bowl, you get a different kind of cricketer — someone who reads situations better than most and delivers big moments. His presence lifts the entire team.”
Broad agreed, highlighting Stokes’ leadership under pressure:
“Ben is a leader who thrives on adversity. He doesn’t give up mentally. He grabs the ball, sets the tone, and says, ‘Watch me.’ Despite limited match time this year, he’s returned with fire. But it’s also a slight concern for England — if Stokes is their best bowler, then that speaks volumes about the challenge ahead. India’s seamers, like Siraj and Bumrah, will also get something out of this pitch.”
As Day 2 continues to unfold, India remain firmly in control, but with England’s middle order yet to bat and conditions still conducive to movement, the Test is poised for more twists in the coming days.
