KL Rahul Folds Hands in Respect to Rishabh Pant's Brave Knock vs England - Watch Viral Moment

Rishabh Pant took a risk that only he could take when the sun was setting over Headingley. At Headingley, it was the last over of Day 1 of the first Test, when most batsmen would hide out and wait out the day.

Ankush Pandey Ankush Pandey
Jun 21, 2025 - 06:13 Updated: Jun 21, 2025 - 06:34
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KL Rahul Folds Hands in Respect to Rishabh Pant's Brave Knock vs England - Watch Viral Moment
KL Rahul Folds Hands in Respect to Rishabh Pant's Brave Knock vs England - Watch Viral Moment

Not Pant, though. Pant danced down the track to a length delivery from Chris Woakes, which he hit neatly over deep square leg for six with India sitting pretty at 351/3. Woakes watched in astonished laughter.

Ben Stokes, the captain of England, also grinned in shock. The best response, however, did not come from the pitch and came moments later. KL Rahul, who was standing close to the dressing room entrance, folded his hands and bowed to the left-hander in a mocking sign of respect as Pant ascended the Headingley steps to return undefeated on 65. Pant refused to control his aggressive tendencies, and at the end of the day, he came out on top. It was a mix of adulation and teasing.

However, the six wasn't the result of carelessness. He chose his moment and hit clean, like he always does. After being selected to bat first on a green top, India finished at 359/3, capping an almost ideal day.

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal established the groundwork for India's supremacy earlier in the day. In his first Test matches in Australia and England, Jaiswal became the first visitor batsman to reach the century mark. His fluid 101 demonstrated maturity and skill before he was eventually removed. In his debut Test match as captain, Gill stayed undefeated at 127, a calm, unforced knock that served as a leadership statement.

The pace changed when Pant showed up for the last session. He gave England a boost of energy exactly when they were hoping for containment, going from resisting to releasing. With minimal bother and maximal intent, he scored 65 runs off 91 balls, including two sixes and seven fours.

Even though he was unable to reach his half-century, Rahul himself played a crucial knock at the top of the order, scoring 42 off 78 deliveries to help tie the first wicket partnership at 91 runs.

Sai Sudharsan's lacklustre debut was the one negative aspect of an otherwise great day for India. The left-hander, who was thrown into the deep end following KL Rahul's dismissal, appeared hesitant and was despatched for a duck, as if nerves had more of the issue than technique.

Although it was a difficult start to Test cricket, Sudharsan will be looking to get over his nerves and demonstrate that he is a member of the elite team in the upcoming innings.