The first test match of the 5-match test series (Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy) between India and England started on 20th June and on the opening day, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant played a remarkable knock that earned him not just applause but also a gesture of deep respect from teammate KL Rahul.
As Rishabh Pant returned to the pavilion unbeaten on 65, having batted with poise and purpose, Rahul stood at the top of the stairs and greeted him with folded hands and a bow, a moment that quickly captured the Internet’s attention and went viral across social media platforms.
The moment was featured in a behind-the-scenes video shared by the BCCI, offering a glimpse into the Indian dressing room’s mood after a dominant day.
Here is the video:
https://x.com/BCCI/status/1936145500912468351
Click to watch this video directly on X
As captain Shubman Gill, who remained not out on a stellar 127 off 175 balls, walked in alongside Pant at the close of play, they were met with applause and warm cheers from their teammates. Rahul, along with Shardul Thakur and others, had lined up in the corridor outside the dressing room, escorting the pair back inside, where head coach Gautam Gambhir and the support staff embraced them with hugs and appreciation.
India’s commanding position at 359 for 3 at stumps was built on a solid foundation laid by openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul himself. Jaiswal struck a fluent century, scoring 101 off 159 deliveries, while Rahul contributed a steady 42 from 78 balls. Despite his own dismissal, caught in the slips while attempting an ambitious drive off a wide delivery from Brydon Carse, Rahul remained fully involved in the team’s cause, visibly elated for his fellow batters.
Rishabh Pant’s innings, in particular, drew praise from many quarters, including from a somewhat unexpected source, i.e., former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.
Known for his previously critical stance on Rishabh Pant’s flamboyant approach, Gavaskar acknowledged a noticeable maturity in this innings. He remarked that while Pant often likes to assert himself early in his innings, sometimes stepping out within a few balls to find the boundary, this time he allowed himself time to settle in.
According to Gavaskar, this shift in rhythm allowed Pant to gradually take charge once the bowlers began to tire, launching his trademark aggressive strokes including big hits and sixes. Gavaskar noted that Pant seemed far more calculated and thoughtful in his shot selection throughout this knock.
As India wrapped up a dominant Day One with a towering total and three centuries between their top four batters, the tone has been set for what could be a defining Test match in the series.
However, beyond the numbers, moments like Rahul’s respectful gesture and the team’s camaraderie painted a powerful picture of unity and spirit in the Indian camp.
