Title: Rishabh Pant and the England vs India Cricket Timeline – A Historic Rivalry Revisited
Introduction
The cricketing rivalry between the England Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team is one of the most celebrated in international cricket history. Among the many players who have shaped this rivalry in recent times, Rishabh Pant has emerged as a dynamic, game-changing force. His performances against England, especially in red-ball cricket, have been nothing short of phenomenal.
This article presents a detailed timeline of India vs England cricket matches, with a special focus on Rishabh Pant’s impact.
- Historical Background: India vs England Rivalry
First Test Match: India played their first-ever Test match against England at Lord’s in 1932.
ODI Debut: The two teams clashed for the first time in ODIs in 1974.
T20I Rivalry: Their first T20I face-off occurred in 2007.
The England-India rivalry has grown across formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—with many memorable moments, including thrilling series wins, iconic innings, and record-breaking performances.
- Rise of Rishabh Pant: A New Chapter Begins
International Debut:
T20I Debut: February 2017 vs England
Test Debut: August 2018 vs England at Trent Bridge
ODI Debut: October 2018 vs West Indies
Pant’s Test debut came against England, setting the stage for what would become one of the defining relationships of his career.
- Rishabh Pant vs England: Major Highlights
A. Test Series in England 2018
Debut Series: Pant made his Test debut in August 2018.
Maiden Test Century: In the 5th Test at The Oval, he smashed a fearless 114, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century in England.
Significance: Though India lost the series 4–1, Pant’s aggressive batting left a lasting impression.
B. Historic India vs England Series 2021 (In India)
Test Series Outcome: India won 3–1.
Pant’s Heroics:
Ahmedabad Test (3rd Test): Played a vital role in India’s comeback.
4th Test, Ahmedabad: Scored a flamboyant 101, including a memorable reverse-scoop off James Anderson.
Impact:
Shifted momentum in India’s favour.
Praised for fearless, attacking style.
Showed maturity and improved wicketkeeping against spin-heavy Indian pitches.
C. England Tour of India 2021 (T20I & ODI)
T20I Series: India won 3–2.
ODI Series: India won 2–1.
Pant’s Role:
Scored quickfire fifties.
Handled the middle order with aggression and innovation.
Cemented his role as a reliable finisher and match-winner.
D. India’s Tour of England 2021-22 (5-Match Test Series)
Delayed Fifth Test Played in 2022 (Edgbaston):
India was leading 2–1 before the final match was postponed due to COVID-19.
Pant’s Epic Knock: In the rescheduled 5th Test at Edgbaston (July 2022), Pant smashed 146 in the first innings and 57 in the second.
Records:
Fastest Test century by an Indian wicketkeeper.
One of the best overseas Test knocks by an Indian batter.
Series Outcome: England won the final Test, drawing the series 2–2, but Pant’s innings remained the highlight.
- Rishabh Pant: Playing Style vs England
Attribute Description
Batting Style Left-handed, aggressive stroke play, especially in pressure situations.
Signature Shots One-handed sixes, reverse sweeps, slog sweeps, and fearless lofted drives.
Keeping Skills Sharp reflexes, improved footwork, vocal presence behind the stumps.
Big Moments Key innings in tough conditions – especially in England and against top seamers like Anderson and Broad.
- Pant’s Stats vs England (Across Formats)
Test Matches vs England (As of July 2025)
Matches: 11
Runs: 700+
Average: ~39
100s: 2
50s: 3
ODIs vs England
Matches: 6
Runs: 200+
Average: 40+
Impactful knocks in 2021 home series
T20Is vs England
Matches: 7
Runs: 150+
Notable contribution in 2021 series win
- Rishabh Pant’s Comeback (Post-Accident Era)
In December 2022, Pant suffered a life-threatening car accident.
He returned to cricket in early 2024, missing the 2023 England tour.
In 2025, Pant resumed full form, including:
A comeback ODI 50 against England.
Vital Test innings in a home series win.
- England vs India Timeline (Major Series Summary)
Year Format Venue Result Key Moments
2018 Tests England England won 4–1 Pant’s debut & 114
2021 Tests India India won 3–1 Pant’s 101 in Ahmedabad
2021 T20Is India India won 3–2 Pant’s attacking cameos
2021 ODIs India India won 2–1 Pant’s 77 in final match
2021–22 Tests England Series Drawn 2–2 Pant’s 146 at Edgbaston
2025 ODIs India India won 2–1 Pant’s comeback fifty
- Conclusion: Rishabh Pant – England’s Nightmare
Rishabh Pant has carved out a legacy in the India-England rivalry with his audacity and flair. From his maiden ton at The Oval to his match-winning innings in Ahmedabad and Edgbaston, Pant has redefined how wicketkeeper-batsmen perform under pressure.
As India and England continue to write new chapters in their cricket history, Rishabh Pant remains a pivotal character—an entertainer, a fighter, and above all, a modern cricketing icon.
- Future Outlook
With ICC tournaments and future bilateral series lined up, fans can look forward to more fireworks from Pant. His return to peak fitness and form ensures that the England-India rivalry stays as electrifying as ever.
