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Key Points

Rishabh Pant has rewritten history by becoming India's most prolific Test century-maker among wicketkeeper-batters. His blistering 134 in Leeds saw him surpass MS Dhoni's tally of six Test tons while equalling Kumar Sangakkara's Asian record. The knock also marked Pant's fifth century in challenging SENA conditions, showcasing his overseas dominance. With this innings, the dynamic left-hander continues establishing himself as India's premier match-winner in Test cricket.

Key Points: Rishabh Pant overtakes Dhoni as India's top Test wicketkeeper-batter

  • Pant hits 134 in Leeds Test to surpass Dhoni's record
  • Equals Sangakkara's Asian keeper-batter milestone
  • Joins Ganguly with 3 England Test tons
  • Reaches 3000 Test runs overtaking Dhoni in SENA countries
3 min read

Pant overtakes Dhoni, becomes Indian wicketkeeper-batter with most Test tons

Pant smashes record 7th Test ton, surpasses Dhoni and equals Sangakkara in historic Leeds innings during India-England Test.

"Pant now has seven centuries overtaking Dhoni, who has six Test centuries - Match Report"

Leeds, June 21

Rishabh Pant on Saturday surpassed MS Dhoni to register the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter and continued his good show in what are regarded as tough wickets in countries outside Asia.

Pant reached the milestone during India's first Test against England at Leeds. In his innings, Pant smashed 134 in 178 balls, with 12 fours and six sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of over 75. Pant now has seven centuries overtaking Dhoni, who has six Test centuries.

This is also his fifth century in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) conditions, the most by an Asian batter. Three of these centuries have come in England and one each have come in Australia and South Africa.

Also, he has equalled with Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara (seven centuries) for most centuries in Tests as a designated keeper among all Asian countries.

Pant has also levelled with former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly to have the joint third-most Test centuries in England (three each). The highest number of centuries by an Indian in England is by Rahul Dravid (6), followed by Sachin Tendulkar (4) and Dilip Vengasarkar (4).

This is the fourth instance of three Indian players scoring a century in an innings outside Asia, with the trio of Pant, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal joining the trio of Sunil Gavaskar, Kris Srikkanth and Mohinder Amarnath (Australia, 1986 at Sydney), Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag and Ganguly (England, 2002 at Leeds) and Sehwag, Dravid and Mohammed Kaif (West Indies, 2006, Gros Islet).

This is also the third instance of Pant reaching a Test century with a six - all three off English spinners (Adil Rashid, Joe Root, & Shoaib Bashir). For India, only Sachin Tendulkar has done it more often (six times), while Rohit Sharma also did it thrice.

Earlier on Friday, Pant also completed his 3,000 Test runs, becoming the second Indian wicketkeeper-batter to do so after Dhoni and overtook Dhoni to become Asia's most successful wicketkeeper-batter in SENA on the basis of run count.

India ended the first session of day two at 454/7, with Ravindra Jadeja (2*) unbeaten. Skipper Gill (147 in 227 balls, with 19 fours and a six) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101 in 159 balls, with 16 fours) stood out with their tons. While Karun Nair registered a duck on his return to international cricket after eight years, Shardul Thakur also failed to fire.

England skipper Ben Stokes (4/66) stood out among bowlers, helping England get some respite in this session with quick wickets.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Amit K.
What an innings by Pant! To score like this in English conditions shows his true class. The way he attacks spinners is just 🤯. Hope he continues this form in upcoming matches too. Future captain material for sure!
P
Priya M.
While Pant's achievement is remarkable, let's not forget Dhoni's contributions in building India's test team. Different eras, different challenges. Both legends in their own right. But yes, Pant's fearless batting is refreshing to watch!
R
Rahul S.
Pant's stats in SENA countries are unbelievable for someone so young! 5 centuries already? And that too at a strike rate of 75+ in tests. He's redefining how wicketkeeper-batters play the game. Hope he stays fit for years to come.
S
Sunita P.
The most impressive part is how he reaches his centuries - with sixes! Only Tendulkar has done it more times for India. Pant brings so much excitement to test cricket. My kids who only cared about T20 are now watching tests because of him.
V
Vikram J.
Great achievement but I hope he works on his keeping skills too. Sometimes his glovework is inconsistent. If he improves that, he can truly become the complete package. Still, what a player we have!
N
Neha R.
Pant's comeback after that terrible accident is nothing short of inspirational. To perform at this level after such a setback shows his mental strength. Truly a role model for never giving up! 🇮🇳
K
Karan D.
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