Leeds: Rishabh Pant etched his name in Indian cricket history on Saturday by surpassing former captain M.S. Dhoni to become the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test centuries. The landmark was achieved during the first Test against England at Headingley, where Pant brought up his seventh Test hundred — and his fourth against England — with a spectacular one-handed six over midwicket, a stroke that epitomised his fearless approach and flair.
Pant resumed Day 2 of the match on 65 not out and showcased remarkable composure in the opening session. Partnering with India captain Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 127, Pant weathered early pressure from the English bowling attack before shifting gears with his characteristic aggression.
The century lifted Pant past Dhoni’s record for Test tons by an Indian wicketkeeper and added another feather to his growing cap of overseas achievements. With five away centuries, he now shares the mark with England's Les Ames, trailing only Andy Flower (6) and Adam Gilchrist (10) among wicketkeepers in Test history.
Pant's knock also moved him closer to the 2,000-run mark in away Tests, underlining his ability to excel in challenging conditions. Just a day earlier, he had become the 27th Indian to surpass 3,000 runs in Test cricket, reaching the milestone in only his 76th innings. His current record — seven centuries and 15 half-centuries — is all the more remarkable considering he has been dismissed in the 90s seven times, making each century even more hard-earned and memorable.
Against England, Pant's statistics continue to impress: over 875 runs at an average above 43, including four centuries. His latest performance in Leeds cemented his place as one of India’s most dependable overseas Test performers. With three of his centuries coming on English soil, Pant now matches Les Ames and Alan Knott, and is only behind Alec Stewart and Matt Prior in terms of Test centuries by wicketkeepers in England.
Pant’s innings at Headingley not only broke records but also reinforced his image as a transformative figure in modern Test cricket — a player who redefines the wicketkeeper-batter role with each audacious shot.
With IANS inputs