IND vs ENG 1st Test Highlights: Pant Shatters Dhoni’s Record, Earns Commentators’ Praise from ‘Stupid’ to ‘Lovely’

Hyderabad: Rishabh Pant lit up the second day of the first Test between India and England with a stunning century at Headingley, Leeds. His impressive knock of 134 runs helped India take command of the match, alongside centuries from teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill.

Starting the day at 65 not out, Pant quickly accelerated his innings, finishing with 12 boundaries and six sixes. His feat wasn’t just remarkable; it made him the Indian wicketkeeper with the most centuries in Test cricket, surpassing MS Dhoni, who had six. Now, Pant boasts seven Test centuries. For context, before Pant, Dhoni had held that record since 2013.

As the day progressed, India seemed poised for a massive total, but they faced a sudden collapse. They went from 430/3 to 454/7, making it seem challenging to reach the 500-run mark.

Commentators like Sunil Gavaskar and Harsha Bhogle couldn’t help but shower praise on Pant’s performance. Gavaskar, who had previously criticized him for reckless shots, was all compliments this time, calling the innings “Superb, Superb, Superb.” Bhogle echoed that sentiment, describing Pant’s century as “Lovely, lovely, lovely.”

Interestingly, the cricket world has seen a shift in praise for players who openly exhibit flair and aggressiveness. According to a report by the International Cricket Council (ICC), fan engagement on social media has surged, particularly when players like Pant showcase high-scoring innings. Recent statistics show a 30% increase in cricket discussions on platforms like Twitter during matches featuring explosive performers.

Furthermore, stats reveal that in the past decade, the frequency of Test matches with scores of 400 or more has doubled, highlighting a trend towards more aggressive batting styles. Players who entertain often find themselves celebrated, both on and off the field.

Rishabh Pant’s remarkable century has not only etched his name in the record books but also sparked conversations about the future of aggressive batting in Test cricket. His ability to shift gears is becoming a hallmark of the new generation of cricketers, catching the attention and admiration of fans worldwide.

For more insights on evolving cricket trends, check out ICC’s official report.

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