IND vs ENG:Rishabh Pant Shatters Big Record of MS Dhoni to Become No.1 Wicketkeeper in Test Cricket
Rishabh Pant became the leading Asian wicketkeeper in SENA countries, going past MS Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara with a brilliant fifty at Headingley.
Rishabh Pant played a brilliant knock on Day 1 of the first Test between India and England at Headingley, scoring a fluent half-century to take India to a strong position. Batting at number five, Pant stitched a century stand with captain Shubman Gill as India ended the day at 359/3 in 85 overs.
Pant remained unbeaten on 65 from 102 balls, hitting six boundaries and two sixes in his typical aggressive style. His innings came at a crucial stage after the fall of Jaiswal, and he made sure India didn’t lose momentum heading into Day 2.
Pant Surpasses Dhoni and Sangakkara in SENA Countries
With this innings, Rishabh Pant reached a huge milestone. He now has the most Test runs by an Asian wicketkeeper in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), going past MS Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara.
Most Test Runs by Asian Wicketkeepers in SENA:
| Player | Innings | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | 49 | 1,746 |
| MS Dhoni | 60 | 1,731 |
Pant has scored more than half of his career Test runs in SENA nations. He also has four of his six Test centuries in these countries one each in England, Australia, and South Africa proving his ability to deliver in tough overseas conditions.
Strong Finish for India on Day 1
India had a great opening day, thanks to centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Jaiswal scored 101, while Gill stayed unbeaten on 127*. Pant’s fifty only added to England’s troubles as the Indian team took full control of the match.
With Pant and Gill still at the crease, India will aim to post a massive first-innings total on Day 2. For now, Pant’s innings has added another chapter to his growing reputation as one of India’s finest wicketkeeper-batters in overseas Tests.
