Rishabh Pant, the heartbeat of India’s batting in the first Test against England at Headingley, once again brought the crowd to life with a masterful century in the second innings. However, this time it wasn’t just his bat that got attention; it was his unexpected choice of celebration.
Having already delighted fans with a somersault after scoring 134 runs in the first innings, an innings packed with 12 boundaries and 6 sixes, Pant was expected to repeat his athletic celebration in the second innings. This expectation wasn't limited to fans; legendary former India captain Sunil Gavaskar even mentioned during commentary that he hoped to see “another somersault” if Pant reached three figures again.
And Pant did just that with the bat, reaching his century in 130 balls, decorated with 13 boundaries and 2 sixes. But when the moment arrived, he threw a curveball. Instead of flipping through the air, Pant performed the famous Dele Alli eye celebration, placing his hand over one eye in a now-viral gesture first popularized by English footballer Dele Alli.
The unexpected twist drew laughter in the commentary box and smiles across the field. Gavaskar himself couldn’t help but chuckle, acknowledging Pant’s playful defiance. It was a moment that reflected Pant’s unique personality: cheeky, entertaining, and always full of surprises.
While his celebrations grabbed attention, Pant’s twin centuries in the match have been vital for India’s strong position in the Test. His blend of control and aggression has frustrated the English bowlers across both innings.
Rishabh Pant Ditches Somersault, Does Dele Alli Celebration
Rishabh Pant continued his red-hot form in the first Test against England at Leeds, scoring his second century of the match in spectacular fashion. The Indian vice-captain struck 118 runs off 140 balls in the second innings, smashing 15 boundaries and 3 sixes. But while his batting once again lit up the game, it was his unique celebration that caught everyone’s attention.
After reaching the milestone, Pant surprised fans and commentators by doing the famous Dele Alli eye celebration, a gesture made popular by the English footballer, involving a hand twisted over the eye in a playful challenge. The move came as a fun twist to his previous celebration in the first innings, where Pant performed a full somersault after scoring 134 off 178 balls, which included 12 boundaries and 6 sixes.
Known for his fearless and flamboyant personality, Pant’s celebration was a nod to his playful character and love for mixing things up. It also showed how much he enjoys the game, not just through his explosive strokeplay but also through his expressive on-field moments.
The back-to-back centuries highlight Pant’s maturity as a Test batter while retaining his trademark aggression and unpredictability. His efforts have been crucial in keeping India in a strong position against a competitive England side.
With two centuries and two distinct celebrations, Rishabh Pant has once again proven that he’s not just a match-winner but also a true entertainer on the world stage.
