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Legacy Lives On: New Generation Mirrors Dravid-Tendulkar-Ganguly At Headingley

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Pant and Gill in 2025, Tendulkar and Dravid in 2002 [Source: AP Photos | @Houseof_Cricket/x.com]Pant and Gill in 2025, Tendulkar and Dravid in 2002 [Source: AP Photos | @Houseof_Cricket/x.com]

The hallowed turf of Headingley witnesses déjà vu as cricket's unfolds its timeless narrative.

Twenty-three years after Rahul Dravid (148), Sachin Tendulkar (193), and Sourav Ganguly (128) etched their names into folklore with centuries in the same innings against England in 2002, a new generation of Indian stars has recreated the magical feat at the same venue. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant all scored centuries in India's display against England in the ongoing Headingley Test. This performance by the three pillars of the new Indian batting lineup proves that champions are separated not by ears but by their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

The Iconic 2002 Test

The summer of 2002 remains etched in the memory of every Indian cricket fan. After losing Virender Sehwag at the team's score of 15, India's batting trinity took over and ruled Headingley.

Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar [Source: @OmgSachin/x.com]Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar [Source: @OmgSachin/x.com]

Dravid scored a gutsy century on Day 1 and set the stage for Tendulkar and Ganguly to find their way easily into their knocks. Carried by three of the greatest Indian batters in their history, India posted a mammoth total of 628 runs for the loss of eight wickets before they declared the innings.

The performance by the 'Tridev' of Indian batting led to a famous win for the team by an innings and 46 runs over the home team. 

It was the only instance when Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly scored centuries in the same innings of a Test match - making it one of the most cherished moments in Indian cricket history.

2025: History Repeats Itself

Let us take a time machine and travel 23 years into the future to 2025. It is Headingley once again that becomes the theatre of Indian excellence.

In the ongoing match, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 101 runs off 158 deliveries and laid the foundation for a formidable total. After Jaiswal's effort, the new Test skipper of the Indian team, Gill, followed and was later joined by the aggressive keeper batter, Rishabh Pant.

Headingley, Leeds - Bridging Generations

Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill [Source: AP Photos]Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill [Source: AP Photos]

The parallels between 2002 and 2025 extend beyond mere numbers. Both performances occurred when India needed to make a statement and establish its presence in the world of cricket.

In 2002, Sourav Ganguly backed his strengths and picked both Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh for the tour. This choice forced him to bat first in the game after winning the toss. The decision faced criticism from cricket experts but later turned out to be a masterstroke.

Similarly, in 2025, the young Indian team under Gill's captaincy showed the same fearless approach. With India in a transition phase, not much was expected of a new-looking side, but Gill and his men proved everyone wrong with a spectacular show.

The Headingley Factor

 The repeat of history after 23 years makes Headingley special in Indian cricket history. The venue brings out the best from the main Indian batters. 

The ground has witnessed some of the finest performances of Indian batters away from home. The latest additions to this legendary list are Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant.

A Testament to Indian Cricket's Evolution

While the names have changed, the spirit remains the same.

From the git and determination of Dravid, the genius of Tendulkar, and the aggression of Gangulu to the fearlessness of Jaiswal, the composure of Gill, and the audacity of Pant - Indian cricket has evolved a lot in these 23 years. Still, the excellence and resilience have remained the same.

Twenty-three years apart, two different generations have proven that greatness transcends time. Headingley remained witness to the creation of a legend 23 years ago, and now, in 2025, it has beautifully reimagined a new era for Indian cricket. The torchbearers of 2025 have shown that they are more than worthy inheritors of a legacy left behind by the golden generation in 2002.