The debate surrounding who is India's greatest Test wicketkeeper-batter has reignited following Rishabh Pant's stunning century against England at Headingley. This was Pant's seventh Test century, surpassing MS Dhoni's previous record of six for an Indian wicketkeeper. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has declared Pant as "India's greatest ever Test batter-keeper," sparking considerable discussion among fans and analysts.
Pant's recent performance adds fuel to the ongoing comparison between him and Dhoni, two iconic figures in Indian cricket. While Dhoni's achievements are undeniable, Pant's aggressive batting style and impressive record in overseas conditions have led many to argue in his favor.
Manjrekar emphasized the significance of Pant's centuries in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries, noting that five of his seven Test centuries have come in these challenging conditions. In contrast, Dhoni's Test centuries were primarily scored in Asia, with his highest score outside the continent being 92 at The Oval. This difference in overseas performance is a key factor in Manjrekar's assessment.
Pant's seventh Test century also saw him equal Kumar Sangakkara's record for the most Test hundreds by a designated wicketkeeper from Asia. In addition to his record-breaking century, Pant has also surpassed Dhoni in terms of runs scored by an Asian wicketkeeper-batter in SENA countries. In 44 Tests, Pant has accumulated 3,082 runs at an average of 43.40, including seven centuries and 15 fifties, with a striking strike rate of 73.69. Furthermore, Pant now holds the record for the most sixes by an Indian wicketkeeper in Test cricket, surpassing Dhoni's previous record.
While Pant's Test record continues to grow, it's important to consider Dhoni's overall contributions to Indian cricket. Dhoni led India in 60 Test matches, winning 27, losing 18, and drawing 15. As a captain, he scored 3,454 runs at an average of 40.64, with five centuries and 24 half-centuries. Dhoni's captaincy record and his crucial contributions in numerous Test victories cannot be overlooked. Dhoni has played 90 Test matches, with 6 centuries and 33 half-centuries at 38.09 average. MSD has dismissed over 294 batsmen in test cricket.
Rishabh Pant gained recognition after his performance for India at the 2016 U-19 World Cup. Pant also plays in the IPL. He was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants in 2025 for INR 27 Crore during the 2025 TATA IPL Auction. In the ongoing IPL 2025 season, Rishabh Pant has faced challenges, both in form and leadership. Despite being the most expensive player in IPL history, Pant managed only 151 runs in 13 matches, averaging 13.73 with a strike rate of just 107.9.
Ultimately, the debate over who is India's greatest Test wicketkeeper-batter is subjective and depends on the criteria used for evaluation. Dhoni's captaincy, consistency, and contributions to Indian cricket are undeniable. However, Pant's aggressive batting style, record-breaking feats, and impressive overseas performances make a strong case for him. As Pant's career progresses, he has the opportunity to solidify his place as one of the all-time greats.
