'Main bhi khel raha hoon bhai': Pant stump mic banter steals show in Headingley Test

The opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley delivered more than just high-quality cricket — it gave fans a front-row seat to the entertaining world of stump mic chatter, starring India vice-captain Rishabh Pant and captain Shubman Gill.

On Day 2, with Ravindra Jadeja bowling, Pant was caught on the stump mic yelling after a diving stop down the leg side: “Main bhi khel raha hoon bhai! Apne chauke ke chakkar mein mera chauka mat de dena!” (I’m also playing, brother! In order to not go for a four, don’t end up sending me for a four).

Not to be outdone, Gill chimed in from the slips during a tight over against Ben Duckett, saying: “Abhi ye pura confused hai Jaddu bhai! Kaunsi seedhi hai, kaunsi udhar. Aayega iska! Abhi isko kuch pata nahi lag raha.” (He’s totally confused, Jaddu bhai! Doesn’t know which one’s straight and which will turn. His wicket’s coming! He’s completely clueless at the moment).

While the chatter kept spirits high, India’s first innings gave plenty of reason to cheer. Shubman Gill smashed a career-best 147, while Rishabh Pant roared back with a spectacular 134, his 7th Test ton.

At the end of the second day of the first Test in Leeds on Saturday, Jasprit Bumrah displayed his genius, but England batters led by centurion Ollie Pope reached a respectable 209 for three.

Pope (100 batting) and Harry Brook (0) were at crease when the stumps were drawn with England whittling down India's lead to 262 after the visitors made 471 in their first innings.