Rishabh Pant etched his name into the record books on Saturday by surpassing M.S. Dhoni to become India's top wicketkeeper in Test centuries.
The milestone was achieved during the first Test against England at Headingley, another highlight of Pant's incredible red-ball career.
Pant scored his seventh Test century — his fourth off England — in customary style, smashing a one-handed six down midwicket. The adventurous shot not only completed his century but also marked the kind of flair and brashness that has become the hallmark of Pant's batting.
Beginning Day 2 on 65*, Pant exercised restraint and maturity during the morning session, taking his time to push through a stern English bowling attack. Along with skipper Shubman Gill, who was unbeaten on 127, Pant endured the early test of nerves before changing gears and unleashing his aggressive best.
By scoring his seventh Test ton, Pant moved past Dhoni’s tally of centuries in SENA countries and joined England’s Les Ames on five overseas hundreds — ranking behind only Andy Flower (6) and Adam Gilchrist (10) among wicketkeepers globally. The innings also edged Pant closer to 2,000 away Test runs, underlining his knack for thriving in foreign conditions.
Pant's century landmark is another milestone achievement — becoming the 27th Indian to reach the 3,000-run barrier in Test cricket. He reached that mark on Day 1 of the same match, accomplishing it in his 76th innings. With seven centuries and 15 half-centuries to date, Pant's credentials in red-ball cricket continue to mount, as he teases heartbreak — having been dismissed in the 90s on seven different occasions.
His superiority against England now shines all the brighter. He has scored more than 875 runs at a rate higher than 43, with four centuries on his record. His achievement in Headingley comes to add to already a sparkling résumé, strengthening his position as a player who never fails to come up big.
Pant also became part of an elite group with his third Test hundred in England, joining legends such as Les Ames and Alan Knott. Only Alec Stewart and Matt Prior now ahead of him in this context among wicketkeepers.
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