What Happened: Cricket fans were treated to high drama and quality batting as India’s tour of England kicked off at Headingley Stadium in Leeds. In the 1st Test match of the series, which began on June 21, Team India seized the early momentum thanks to a sublime century by opener Shubman Gill and a record-breaking wicketkeeper’s innings by Rishabh Pant. On Day 1, India won the toss and elected to bat, ending the day in a commanding position at 359/3 after 90 overs. Gill was the star of Day 1, scoring a classy 131, while Pant contributed a quickfire half-century by stumps. By lunch on Day 2, Pant had converted that into a brilliant century, reigniting debates about his standing among India’s wicketkeeper-batsmen. In fact, Pant’s knock made him the most prolific wicketkeeper-batter in Indian Test history, surpassing the run tally of the legendary MS Dhoni. This achievement set off spirited discussions among fans and pundits, with headlines like “Pant vs Dhoni: Who is India’s Greatest Wicketkeeper-Batsman?” trending on social media.
When and Where: The match is being played at Headingley in Leeds from June 21-25, 2025. England is hosting India for a five-match Test series, a much-anticipated contest as it pits two top teams in classic format cricket. The conditions in Leeds initially favored batting – a dry pitch with even bounce and sunny weather on Day 1 – which India capitalized on expertly. Gill, the 25-year-old opener, showcased elegant strokeplay, especially through the off-side, reaching his hundred before tea on the first day. He was well supported by India’s No.3, Cheteshwar Pujara, who made 78 with his trademark patience, putting on a big 180-run partnership with Gill. England’s bowlers toiled with little success on Day 1, managing only three wickets. Veteran James Anderson removed India’s captain Rohit Sharma early for 15, but thereafter the hosts struggled for breakthroughs. It was only in the final session that England could get Gill out (caught behind off Stuart Broad) and Pujara run-out mix-up, but by then India had a hefty total on board.
Who Shined – Pant vs Dhoni Debate: Rishabh Pant stole the show on Day 2 morning. Resuming at 56*, Pant accelerated to 102* in just a session, treating fans to his usual aggressive flair – including several sixes off spinners. This century was Pant’s 9th in Test cricket, pushing his total Test runs as wicketkeeper past Dhoni’s record of 4,876 runs (for wicketkeeper-batsmen). At just 27, Pant now sits atop India’s all-time wicketkeeper runs chart, an extraordinary feat considering Dhoni played 90 Tests to Pant’s 54 so far. The Pant vs Dhoni debate has two facets: statistically, Pant is on track to eclipse Dhoni’s records comfortably, but in terms of impact and legacy, Dhoni’s supporters point to his World Cup wins and leadership. Nonetheless, former players have lauded Pant’s innings. Sunil Gavaskar on commentary said, “Pant is redefining the role of a keeper-batsman for India, much like Gilchrist did for Australia.” On the flip side, England’s wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow had a forgettable outing, dropping Pant on 5 (a mistake that proved costly) and managing only 12 runs with the bat later.
Indian fans, always keen to compare eras, flooded social media with tributes to Pant. Some called him “India’s greatest Test wicketkeeper-batter already”, given his superior overseas record – Pant has Test hundreds in England, Australia and South Africa, something Dhoni did not achieve. Others urged caution, pointing out Dhoni’s incomparable leadership and longevity. The Leeds crowd, meanwhile, simply enjoyed Pant’s fireworks which gave India a formidable first-innings total of 550 before they declared.
Match Situation: As of the end of Day 3 (June 23), the match is intriguingly poised. After India piled up 550/8 declared, England faced pressure to avoid a follow-on. England’s top order responded fairly well, reaching 100/1 by tea on Day 2, thanks to a brisk 50 by opener Zak Crawley. However, post-tea, Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami struck back, reducing England to 210/5 by stumps on Day 2. Bumrah, who is also India’s stand-in vice-captain on this tour, bowled with fire to take 3 wickets, including England’s star Joe Root for 22 with a beautiful in-swinger. Day 3 saw England fight back: Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes put on a century partnership to take England past 300. Pope notched a gritty century (110) before falling to a sharp turner from Ravindra Jadeja. By the end of Day 3, England were all out for 370, conceding a 180-run lead to India.
India decided not to enforce the follow-on (giving their bowlers rest), and came out to bat late Day 3, but lost Rohit Sharma early again – he fell for a second low score, raising some concern about his form. Heading into Day 4, India is 45/1 in the second innings, leading by 225 runs. They are in the driver’s seat to push for a win, barring an English miracle or rain. Weather forecasts for Leeds indicate possible light showers on Day 5, so India will likely press for quick runs on Day 4 and set England a daunting target by evening.
Why It Matters: This Test series is significant for both sides. For India, it’s part of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, and an away series win in England is highly coveted (they haven’t won a series in England since 2007). The strong start at Leeds gives them a real chance to go 1-0 up. The performances of young stars like Gill and Pant also bode well for India’s batting future. Gill’s century proved he has adjusted well to English conditions – his technique against the swinging Duke ball has clearly improved since India’s last tour. Pant’s continued success overseas cements him as a match-winner in all conditions, something India historically lacked in wicketkeeper-batsmen.
For England, this series is a test of their aggressive “Bazball” approach under coach Brendon McCullum, especially against a high-quality bowling attack like India’s. In this match, England’s aggression had mixed results: they scored at a healthy rate of ~4 runs an over, but that also led to some reckless dismissals (Stokes fell trying to slog-sweep Jadeja when set). The outcome of the Leeds Test may influence England’s tactics in the remaining matches.
Another notable aspect is Jasprit Bumrah’s form and captaincy. With regular captain Virat Kohli resting this series (Ajinkya Rahane is leading as captain, but Bumrah is being groomed for leadership roles as well), Bumrah’s bowling leadership has been crucial. He looked fully fit and back to his best after injuries last year, which is great news for India.
The series has drawn strong viewership in India despite the odd timing (matches in England mean early afternoon starts in India). The Gill-Pant heroics especially have been a treat for fans who see in them the torchbearers for the next generation. Headlines in Indian sports pages are already hailing “The Gill & Pant Show” that put India ahead. In England, some commentators are lamenting missed opportunities – notably Bairstow’s dropped catch and some lax bowling on Day 1 – which let India get such a big score.
Looking ahead, India will aim to capitalize on this start and perhaps force a result by Day 4 or early Day 5. England will need to channel the spirit of Headingley 2019 (when Stokes pulled off a miracle chase against Australia) if they’re to save or win this match. Regardless, the Test has already provided plenty of excitement and talking points – from top-order centuries to the Pant vs Dhoni debate – satisfying the appetite of purist cricket fans around the world. With four more Tests to go after this, the series promises high-quality cricket and possibly a few more records to tumble.
