Rishabh Pant has etched his name in cricket's record books once again, this time surpassing MS Dhoni to become the fastest Asian wicket-keeper to reach 3000 Test runs. The dynamic left-hander achieved this milestone during the first Test against England at Headingley on June 20, 2025, further solidifying his reputation as a game-changing player in the longest format of the game. Pant reached the landmark in just 76 innings, eclipsing Kumar Sangakkara and Dhoni, who took 78 and 86 innings respectively. Only Adam Gilchrist has reached the milestone faster than Pant, in just 63 innings.
On Day 1 of the Headingley Test, Pant remained unbeaten on 65, demonstrating the aggressive yet calculated approach that has become his trademark. His innings, which included six fours and two towering sixes, helped India reach a commanding 359/3 at stumps. This performance not only contributed to India's strong position in the match but also highlighted Pant's crucial role in the team's batting lineup, especially with the recent retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Pant's achievement is particularly significant considering his record in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries. He has now surpassed Dhoni to become the highest-scoring Asian wicket-keeper in these challenging cricketing nations. Pant now has 1,746 runs in SENA countries. This record underscores his ability to perform under pressure and adapt to diverse playing conditions, making him a valuable asset for India in overseas Tests.
While Pant has surpassed Dhoni in some batting records, it's important to note that MS Dhoni still holds the record for the most dismissals by an Indian wicketkeeper in Tests, with 294 dismissals in 90 Tests. Pant, while making his mark with the bat, is also steadily building his credentials as a wicketkeeper. As of November 2024, Pant had 100 dismissals in the World Test Championship, placing him third behind Alex Carey and Joshua Da Silva.
The 2025 Test series against England also marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle for India. With Shubman Gill leading the team for the first time in Tests, and Pant as his deputy, India is looking to build a strong foundation for the future. The emergence of young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who also scored a century in the first Test, further strengthens India's batting lineup.
Pant's journey to this milestone has not been without its challenges. After a somewhat disappointing IPL season, he has bounced back strongly in Test cricket, reaffirming his status as a match-winner. His aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly put pressure on the opposition, while his improved wicket-keeping skills make him a reliable presence behind the stumps. As he continues his career, Rishabh Pant has the potential to break many more records and lead India to greater heights in Test cricket.