NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka took to social media to celebrate as Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul slammed centuries in India’s second innings against England during the first Test at Headingley Cricket Stadium in Leeds on Monday, June 23. Pant created history by becoming only the second wicketkeeper-batsman to score centuries in both innings of a Test and the first Indian to do so in England.Pant, who currently captains the Lucknow franchise in the IPL, smashed 118 off 140 balls in the second innings. Rahul, the franchise’s first captain from 2022 to 2024, scored a patient 137 off 247 deliveries.“Two good! Back-to-back centuries for @RishabhPant17. Aggressive, audacious, brilliant. Only the second wicketkeeper in history to score a century in both innings of a Test. Congratulations also to @klrahul for his hundred,” Goenka posted on X.The duo stitched together a vital 195-run stand for the fifth wicket after India lost skipper Shubman Gill early on Day 3 for just 8. Their partnership powered India to set a target of over 350 for England.In the first innings, Pant had scored 134 in India’s total of 477. Rahul, who now holds the record for the most centuries by an Asian opener in England, made 42 after England opted to bowl first.
The Lucknow Super Giants franchise, owned by Goenka, was formed in 2022. Rahul led the team for three seasons before Pant took over the captaincy.The Rahul-Pant partnership played a crucial role in India’s dominance in the match, helping the visitors recover from an early setback and firmly take control.
