Leeds, England – Rishabh Pant has etched his name in the record books once again, surpassing MS Dhoni to become the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test centuries. Pant's sensational innings of 100 came on Day 2 of the first Test against England at Headingley, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and game-changing player in the longest format of the game.
India started the 5-match test series of the India tour of England, 2025 in a dominant position, reaching 359/3 at Stumps on Day 1. Shubman Gill marked his debut Test as India's captain with a masterful century while Rishabh Pant scored a nifty half century. Pant, the team's vice-captain, built on that foundation, reaching his century in just 146 balls and further cementing India's lead. His innings was a blend of aggressive strokeplay and measured defense, a testament to his growing maturity as a Test batsman.
Pant's century was not just a personal milestone; it was a record-breaking achievement. He now has seven Test centuries, surpassing Dhoni's previous record of six. The 27-year-old celebrated in style, punctuating the milestone with a one-handed six and an acrobatic somersault that sent fans and commentators into a frenzy.
"One of the best hundred celebrations I have seen in my entire life," exclaimed commentator Ian Ward, capturing the excitement surrounding Pant's achievement.
This innings further cements Pant's impressive record in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). He has now also surpassed Dhoni for most runs by an Indian wicketkeeper in SENA countries. Pant now has 1746 runs in SENA in 27 matches at an average of 38.80, including four centuries and six fifties to his name.
Pant's journey to this record has been remarkable. Since his debut, he has redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman with his fearless approach and ability to change the course of a match. He has become a vital cog in the Indian Test team, known for his aggressive batting style and valuable contributions behind the stumps.
The Headingley Test also marks the beginning of a new era for the Indian team. Shubman Gill is captaining the side for the first time in Tests, and both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are absent. The series is also the first in the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, adding further importance to each match.
India and England have a storied history in Test cricket, having played 136 matches against each other. England holds the upper hand with 51 wins, while India has 35, and 50 matches have ended in draws.
With Pant in scintillating form and a new generation of players stepping up, India will be aiming to start this new WTC cycle on a positive note. The team's strong performance on the first two days of the Headingley Test indicates their determination to compete for the title and establish themselves as a dominant force in world cricket.
The match is being live streamed on JioStar app and website in India, and televised on Sony Sports Network channels.
