Rishabh Pant Creates Test History, Surpasses MS Dhoni and Adam Gilchrist in Major Records
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has added more remarkable achievements to his Test career during the second match of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The aggressive left-hander crossed MS Dhoni's record for the most runs by an Indian wicketkeeper in away and neutral Tests, while his six-hitting exploits have also taken him beyond Australian legend Adam Gilchrist's career tally.
Pant played an important innings at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) as India strengthened its position in the first innings. His performance was particularly notable because he had suffered an injury scare on the opening day after being struck on the arm by a delivery from Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara. He returned to bat on Monday and continued to play positively.
The milestones underline Pant's growing influence in Test cricket, particularly away from home, where wicketkeeper-batters often face demanding conditions.
Rishabh Pant Goes Past MS Dhoni in Away and Neutral Tests
Pant's biggest achievement in Colombo came when he moved ahead of former India captain MS Dhoni to become the country's leading run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away and neutral Test matches.
Pant crossed the 2,500-run mark in this category during the Colombo Test. Dhoni had previously held the Indian record with 2,496 runs.
At the point Pant moved ahead, his tally stood at 2,501 runs at an average of 41.68. Dhoni's 2,496 runs had come at an average of 32.84.
The achievement is particularly significant because Pant has established himself as one of India's most effective middle-order batters in overseas conditions.
Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer is third on the list with 1,209 runs, while Syed Kirmani follows with 1,109 and Kiran More with 901.
Pant's Six-Hitting Record Moves Beyond Gilchrist
Pant's aggressive batting has also helped him move beyond legendary Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist in the list of Test cricket's leading six-hitters.
Gilchrist ended his Test career with 100 sixes. Pant had already reached the landmark of 100 Test sixes during the first match of the Sri Lanka series in Galle, becoming the first Indian to achieve the feat. He also became the fastest batter in Test history to reach 100 sixes in terms of balls faced.
Pant required only 4,918 deliveries to reach 100 sixes. Gilchrist, who previously held the benchmark, needed 6,578 balls. Ben Stokes took 9,042 deliveries to reach the same mark, while Brendon McCullum required 9,756.
Pant struck two more sixes during his 63-run knock in Colombo, continuing his rise among Test cricket's most prolific power-hitters.
Pant Battles Through Injury Scare in Colombo
Pant's performance became even more impressive considering what happened on the opening day.
He was struck on the arm while attempting to play a short delivery from Lahiru Kumara and had to retire hurt after receiving treatment. India ended Day 1 at 300 for five, with Devdutt Padikkal's 117 providing the foundation of the innings.
Pant returned on the second morning after Saransh Jain was dismissed for six.
Despite facing short-pitched bowling and taking further blows, the wicketkeeper-batter maintained his attacking approach. By lunch, he was unbeaten on 63 and had helped India reach 419 for six alongside Dhruv Jurel, who was batting on 59. Their unbroken seventh-wicket partnership had reached 112 runs.
Pant's 63 included six fours and two sixes.
Devdutt Padikkal and Shubman Gill Build India's Foundation
India's strong position in the Colombo Test was set up by a century from Devdutt Padikkal.
The left-handed batter scored 117 and played a major role in helping India recover after losing wickets at important stages. Captain Shubman Gill contributed 50, while Yashasvi Jaiswal made 45.
Pant and Jurel then took control on the second morning, extending India's total beyond 400 and putting further pressure on the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
India entered the second Test with a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after winning the opening encounter in Galle by 165 runs.
Pant Continues to Rewrite India's Test Record Book
Pant's latest achievements further strengthen his reputation as one of India's most impactful Test wicketkeeper-batters.
Surpassing Dhoni for away and neutral Test runs is especially significant given Dhoni's long international career and contribution behind the stumps and with the bat. Pant's ability to accumulate runs at a strong average outside India highlights how valuable he has become in challenging overseas conditions.
His six-hitting numbers tell a similar story. Reaching 100 Test sixes faster than Gilchrist and becoming the first Indian to enter the landmark club reflect the unconventional attacking style that has defined Pant's career.
With Pant continuing to add runs and sixes to his tally, both records could move considerably higher. His performance in Colombo has once again demonstrated how his aggressive batting can influence a Test match while simultaneously rewriting India's record books.