KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant stitched together a resilient partnership on Day 4 of the first Test at Headingley, helping India extend their lead over England to 159 runs by lunch.
India resumed their second innings with a 96-run lead but suffered an early blow when captain Shubman Gill was bowled by Brydon Carse for just 8. However, Rahul and Pant weathered the English pace attack with a mix of grit and flair. Rahul, showcasing patience and precision, reached an unbeaten 72 — his first half-century of the tour — while Pant added a lively 31* at the break.
Despite overcast conditions and a pitch showing signs of uneven bounce, the duo added 63 runs in the morning session, frustrating England’s bowlers who struggled to make further inroads. Rahul survived a dropped catch on 55, while Pant toned down his usual aggression after a few early risks, settling into a more measured rhythm.
India ended the session at 153/3 in their second innings, having posted 471 in the first. England had earlier replied with 465, keeping the match finely balanced. With two days remaining, the Test remains open, but India’s growing lead and the Rahul-Pant stand have tilted momentum slightly in their favor.
