Colombo, Aug 24: Rishabh Pant added another milestone to his growing Test record book on Monday, surpassing legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni to become India’s highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away or neutral Tests.
Pant crossed the 2,500-run mark during India’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, taking his tally to 2,501* and moving past Dhoni’s previous record of 2,496 runs.
The 28-year-old has achieved the feat at an average of 41.68, well ahead of Dhoni’s 32.84.
Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer is third on the list with 1,209 runs, followed by Syed Kirmani (1,109) and Kiran More (901).
Most runs by Indian wicketkeepers in away/neutral Tests:
- Rishabh Pant — 2,501* (Avg 41.68)
- MS Dhoni — 2,496 (Avg 32.84)
- Farokh Engineer — 1,209 (Avg 32.67)
- Syed Kirmani — 1,109 (Avg 21.74)
- Kiran More — 901 (Avg 29.06)
Pant’s landmark came a day after he had suffered an injury scare at the SSC ground. He was struck on his left arm by a short delivery from Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara during Sunday’s third session.
After attempting to pull the delivery behind square and missing it, Pant received the full impact on his arm. He was attended to by the Indian team’s physiotherapist, who applied an ice pack before his arm was strapped.
Pant, who had scored only three runs off 15 balls, subsequently walked off the field with the physiotherapist in the 58th over.
However, the wicketkeeper-batter returned to the middle on Monday after Sri Lanka claimed India’s sixth wicket, dismissing debutant Saransh Jain for six.
Pant was again tested by Sri Lanka’s pace attack, with repeated short-pitched deliveries coming his way. He also took a couple of blows on the shoulder but continued batting despite discomfort.
Showing “considerable resilience”, Pant joined Dhruv Jurel and helped India steady their innings through a crucial partnership.
The record also underlined Pant’s effectiveness in overseas conditions, with his average significantly higher than Dhoni’s while playing as India’s designated wicketkeeper.
With Pant and Jurel at the crease, India looked to rebuild after losing wickets and withstand the sustained pressure from Sri Lanka’s pacers.
