The Indian cricket team experienced a dramatic and unexpected collapse against England on Day 2 of the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, after a promising start. Resuming the day at a formidable 359/3, India looked set to post a massive first-innings total. However, a stunning turnaround saw them lose their last seven wickets for a mere 41 runs, eventually being bowled out for 471.

The day began brightly for India, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant extending their overnight partnership. Gill, the captain, reached his century and continued to build a substantial innings, while Pant also achieved a century, his aggressive approach putting pressure on the English bowlers. At 430/3, with both batsmen well-set, a score of over 500 seemed inevitable.

However, the complexion of the game changed dramatically after Shubman Gill's dismissal for 147. His wicket triggered a collapse as the remaining batsmen struggled to cope with the England's reinvigorated attack. Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue led the charge, exploiting the conditions and India's faltering resolve.

Rishabh Pant, who had been batting fluently, was dismissed for 134, further derailing India's progress. The middle and lower order failed to contribute significantly, with wickets falling in quick succession. Ravindra Jadeja, usually a reliable batsman, was dismissed for just 11, and the tail-enders offered little resistance.

The sudden collapse stunned the Indian team and their fans, as they slumped from a position of dominance to one of vulnerability. The English bowlers, who had toiled hard on the first day, found renewed energy and exploited the opportunities created by India's batting woes. Josh Tongue finished with four wickets, while Ben Stokes also made crucial breakthroughs.

This collapse has resulted in an unwanted record for India. Despite having three batsmen score centuries – Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134) – their total of 471 is now the lowest all-out score in Test history to include three individual centuries. This underscores the magnitude of the collapse and the squandered opportunity to build a truly imposing total. Additionally, the score of 430 is the highest a team was three wickets down from which they were bowled out without getting to 500.

The conditions at Headingley also played a role in the turnaround. The overcast weather on Day 2 offered more assistance to the seam bowlers, and England's bowlers were able to extract more movement and bounce from the pitch. India's batsmen, who had looked comfortable on the first day, found it difficult to adjust to the changing conditions and succumbed to the pressure.

Following India's innings, England began their reply cautiously, losing Zak Crawley early to Jasprit Bumrah. However, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope steadied the ship, playing aggressively to keep the scoreboard ticking. The match is finely poised, with England looking to capitalize on their strong finish to India's innings.