Rishabh Pant has added another major achievement to his Test career, surpassing former India captain MS Dhoni to become the country’s highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away or neutral Test matches. Pant reached the landmark during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Monday. His tally moved to 2,501 runs, taking him past Dhoni’s previous record of 2,496 runs.
Pant Overtakes Dhoni in Overseas Test Record
The record is particularly significant because Dhoni had long been the benchmark for Indian wicketkeepers in overseas and neutral Test conditions. Pant’s latest achievement underlines his impact with the bat outside India and adds another milestone to his growing Test career. Pant now leads the Indian wicketkeeper list with 2,501 away or neutral Test runs at an average of 41.68. Dhoni follows with 2,496 runs, while Farokh Engineer is third on the list with 1,209 runs. Syed Kirmani and Kiran More complete the next two positions with 1,109 and 901 runs respectively.
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The achievement came in challenging circumstances for Pant. On the opening day of the Colombo Test, he was struck on the arm by a short delivery from Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara while attempting a pull shot. After receiving treatment, Pant retired hurt after scoring three runs from 15 deliveries.
Pant Returns to Bat and Makes an Impact
Pant returned to the crease on the second day after India lost Saransh Jain early in the session. He joined Dhruv Jurel with India looking to build a strong first-innings total. Despite facing further short-pitched deliveries from Sri Lanka’s pacers, Pant continued batting and played an important role alongside Jurel. The pair produced a 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket, helping India move to 419/6 by lunch on Day 2.
Pant’s record-breaking performance adds to an impressive run of achievements in Test cricket. Earlier in the series, he became the first Indian cricketer to hit 100 sixes in Test matches, reaching the landmark in his 51st Test. With his latest record, Rishabh Pant breaks MS Dhoni record and further strengthens his reputation as one of India’s most influential wicketkeeper-batters in Test cricket. His ability to contribute in demanding overseas conditions has now placed him ahead of one of the country’s greatest wicketkeeper-batters in a significant statistical category.