June 2025 will go down as a landmark moment in cricket history, as India achieved an extraordinary feat in the opening Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. For the first time in their Test cricket journey, India recorded five individual centuries in a single match, a testament to their batting depth and the fearless approach of their young brigade. This dominant display against a spirited English side not only set the tone for the five-match series but also signaled the arrival of a new era in Indian cricket. Let’s dive into this historic performance and what made it so special.
The first Test of India’s 2025 tour of England was eagerly anticipated, with both teams fielding a mix of youth and experience. England, led by Ben Stokes and coached by Brendon McCullum, were riding the “Bazball” wave, while India, under new captain Shubman Gill, were transitioning after the retirement of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Questions loomed over whether India’s young batting lineup could handle England’s bowling attack in seaming conditions. By the end of the match, those doubts were emphatically answered.
Day one set the stage for India’s dominance. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 23-year-old opener, battled hand cramps and a probing English attack to score a scintillating 152. His innings was a blend of caution and aggression, with 16 boundaries and a towering six. Jaiswal’s fifth Test ton, and third against England, cemented his reputation as a big-match performer. Captain Shubman Gill joined the party with a composed 120, his maiden century as Test captain and a landmark moment in his leadership journey. Their partnership frustrated England, taking India to a commanding 359/3 by stumps.
The second day was all about Rishabh Pant. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter played a true Test knock of 141, laced with audacious shots that kept the English bowlers on their toes. Pant’s aggressive intent, combined with KL Rahul’s gritty 137, pushed India to a formidable 471/3. Rahul, often under scrutiny, showcased his class with a technically sound innings, proving his doubters wrong yet again. However, India’s lower order collapsed, losing seven wickets for just 41 runs, giving England a slight opening.
In their second innings, India resumed at 90/2, and it was Pant who stole the show again. His 118 off 140 balls, filled with 15 fours and three sixes, made him only the second wicketkeeper in Test history after Andy Flower to score twin centuries in a Test match. Rahul complemented him with another masterclass, scoring 117. Their 195-run stand for the cornerstone for India’s second innings total of 364, setting England a daunting target of 371.
This remarkable achievement of five centuries by Jaiswal, Gill, Pant (twice), and Rahul marked the first for India and only the sixth time in Test history that a team had managed such a feat. It was also the second instance of this happening in an away Test, following Australia’s effort in 1955. Pant’s nine sixes equaled the record for most sixes by a batter in a Test in England, drawing comparisons to Andrew Flintoff and Stokes himself.
This performance was more than just numbers. It symbolized India’s transition into a new era, with young stars stepping up in the absence of Kohli and Sharma. Gill’s leadership, Jaiswal’s grit, Pant’s flair, and Rahul’s resilience showcased a team unafraid to take on challenges. Despite England’s spirited reply, finishing Day 4 at 21/0, the match was poised for a thrilling finale, with rain threatening to play spoilsport.
The Headingley Test wasn’t just a game; it was a statement. India’s batters rewrote history, proving that their future is as bright as their past.