IND vs ENG: Pant and Rahul Heroics Put India in Command at Headingley

Ray Sportz Web Desk: KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant lit up Day 4 at Headingley with sensational centuries, putting India in the driver’s seat in the first Test of the series. Their heroics helped set England a stiff target of 371 runs, a mountain to climb on a pitch starting to show its age.
India resumed the day at 96 for 2, but their hopes took an early hit when Shubman Gill was bowled by Brydon Carse for just 8. What followed, however, was a masterclass in Test batting.
Rahul and Pant stitched together a majestic 182-run stand for the fifth wicket, combining patience with flair to grind down England’s pace attack. Rahul was elegance personified, crafting a calm and composed 137, while Pant played with trademark aggression, blasting his way to 118 off just 140 balls—full of bold shots and dazzling footwork.
The tide briefly turned in England’s favor late in the day as India lost six wickets for just 16 runs under the pressure of the second new ball. Still, the visitors managed to post a strong 364 in their second innings, giving their bowlers plenty to work with.
England’s openers Zak Crawley (12*) and Ben Duckett (9*) managed to get through a nervy final session unscathed, ending the day on 21 without loss. But with 350 more runs needed and all ten wickets in hand, the home side faces a steep challenge on Day 5.
India will be confident heading into the final day, especially with Jasprit Bumrah, ready to make the most of the surface. A famous overseas victory is well within reach.