Pant’s Viral Backflip After Headingley Test Century

⚾ Setting the Scene

India’s Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant turned heads on Day 2 of the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, with a spectacular 134‑run innings and a gravity-defying backflip celebration. Facing Shoaib Bashir in the 100th over, Pant smashed a one‑handed six to bring up his 7th Test century, then dropped his bat and launched into his now‑famous acrobatic flip—bringing the stadium to life.

A Symbolic Triumph

• Return to form: This was Pant’s third Test century in England and he surpassed MS Dhoni to become the most prolific Indian wicketkeeper in Tests with seven hundreds.
• Emotional milestone: Coming off a near-fatal car crash in late 2022, Pant’s century feels like a powerful statement of his resilience and return to peak fitness.

The Celebration That Stole the Show

• The backflip: Executed flawlessly on the pitch after his century, the moment went viral in seconds.
• Praise from legends: Virender Sehwag quipped on Instagram that it was a “very apt celebration for Yoga Day,” capturing the lighthearted spirit behind Pant’s gymnastic flair.
• Social media buzz: Fans quickly dubbed it the ultimate post‑ton celebration, drawing memes, tributes, and global social shares.

Inside the Innings

• Rapid-fire 134: Off 178 balls—featuring 12 fours and 6 sixes—Pant batted with audacious confidence and discipline to support Shubman Gill’s 147.
• Dynamic partnership: Pant and Gill stitched together a 209‑run stand that set the stage for a massive Indian total of 454‑7 at lunch.
• England’s fightback: Late‑innings wickets from Josh Tongue and Ben Stokes pulled England back into contention, trimming India’s lead.

Why This Moment Matters

What Comes Next

India heads into Day 3 with a commanding position, but England will look to claw back momentum. Pant’s innings has already written itself into Headingley lore—and his celebration could signal a fresh spark in India’s form. Will he bring more fireworks in the coming days?