Rishab Pant, Gill, Jaiswal mirror iconic Tendulkar-Dravid-Ganguly 2002 show in Headlingley

Rishabh Pant’s blistering century on Day 2 of the first India vs England Test at Headingley has rekindled memories of the iconic 2002 Test at the same venue, where Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and Sachin Tendulkar all racked up hundreds in the first innings en route to a historic Indian win.

On Saturday, Pant powered through to a sensational hundred off 146 balls, joining skipper Shubman Gill (144*) and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) as the third Indian batter to notch a century in the innings, a rare feat that last occurred for India at Headingley 22 years ago.

Pant’s innings stood out for its aggression, laced with audacious strokes and sixes, including one that brought up his century with flair.

The dominance at Headingley rekindles memories of the famous 2002 Test when India, riding on centuries from Dravid (148), Ganguly (128), and Tendulkar (193), posted 628/8 declared and went on to crush England by an innings and 46 runs.

After end of the first day, Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who was part of that historic effort, took to social media to reflect on the similarities:

“A solid foundation laid by @klrahul and @ybj_19 enabled India to have a good day. Congratulations to Yashasvi and @ShubmanGill for their brilliant centuries. @RishabhPant17’s contribution was equally important for the team. India’s batting today reminded me of the Headingley Test in 2002, when Rahul, @SGanguly99, and I scored hundreds in the first innings, and we went on to win the Test. Today, Yashasvi and Shubman have done their part. Who will be the third centurion this time?” he had said.

With Pant answering that question in style, the trio’s effort not only evoked nostalgia but also signalled the emergence of a confident new leadership core in Indian cricket's transition phase.