Rishabh Pant equalled former captain MS Dhoni’s record of six Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. What’s more impressive? Dhoni reached this milestone in 90 Tests, while Pant managed to do it in just 34 appearances. Pant’s performance, once again, proves his value to the Indian cricket team and solidifies his place as one of the most exciting players in the sport.
Rishabh Pant’s road to recovery
Pant’s road to recovery wasn’t easy. After an injury that kept him out of action, there were questions about how quickly he could return to top form. The Chennai Test marked his much-anticipated comeback, and Pant wasted no time in proving that his form and mindset remained intact.
MS Dhoni is a legend in Indian cricket, especially in the context of wicketkeeping. Dhoni set a high bar with six centuries in 90 Test matches, a record that stood as a benchmark for future wicketkeepers. Rishabh Pant, with his aggressive yet effective playing style, has now matched Dhoni’s tally in significantly fewer matches just 34 Tests showcasing Pant’s immense potential.
India found itself in a familiar position during the first innings of the Test. At 34/3, the team was in trouble, and the pressure was mounting. Pant, known for his ability to turn around games, walked in with the responsibility to stabilize the innings. He didn’t disappoint. Pant’s brief partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal helped steady India’s innings after a wobbly start. The duo added 62 runs, and Pant’s 39 off 52 balls displayed his aggressive stroke play. However, his dismissal felt like a missed opportunity.
Reaching the century mark
The second innings provided Pant with the perfect opportunity to redeem himself, and he did so in style. When he walked in at 83/3, India had lost early wickets, including Virat Kohli for just 17. With Bangladesh sensing a chance to turn the tide, Pant entered the fray, needing to balance his aggressive nature with cautious play. And this time, he got it right.
Pant’s half-century came off 88 balls, slower than what we typically expect from him, but it was a testament to his adaptability. He knew the situation called for a cautious approach and executed it to perfection.
Pant reached his century off 124 balls, marking his return to Test cricket with a bang. His controlled aggression and ability to pick the right deliveries to attack were the hallmarks of this innings. By the time he reached the three-figure mark, India’s lead had swelled to over 400 runs, and Bangladesh’s hopes of making a comeback had all but faded.
Pant was eventually dismissed for 109, caught and bowled by Mehidy Hasan. His innings, however, had already done the damage. India’s lead had grown to 432, leaving Bangladesh with little chance of chasing it down. Pant’s century not only solidified India’s position in the match but also sent a message: Rishabh Pant is back, and he’s better than ever.
By scoring his sixth Test century in just 34 matches, Pant has equaled Dhoni’s record, but in much fewer games. While Dhoni took 90 Tests to reach this milestone, Pant has done it in nearly a third of that. This achievement underscores Pant’s immense talent and his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Most Test 100s by designated wicketkeepers for India
6 Rishabh Pant (58 inngs)
6 MS Dhoni (144 inngs)
3 Wriddhiman Saha (54 inngs)
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