Rishabh Pant Goes Past MS Dhoni To Create Massive Test Record, Still Behind This Ex-Pakistan Captain

Rishabh Pant added another feather to his cap, surpassing former captain MS Dhoni’s feat in Test cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter, who was retired hurt on Day 1, returned to bat on Monday (August 24) and scored 63 to help India post a daunting total against Sri Lanka in the first innings.

Pant completed 2,500 Test runs before getting to his 21st half-century, becoming the first designated Indian wicketkeeper-batter to achieve the milestone. He went on to surpass MS Dhoni’s record for most runs by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter in away Tests.

Dhoni amassed 2,496 runs in 48 away Tests between 2006 and 2014. Pant, in his 36th away Test as a designated wicketkeeper-batter, has now moved to 2,534 runs.

The overall record for most runs in away Tests by a designated wicketkeeper-batter belongs to former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who scored 2,696 runs in 52 Tests. He is followed by Australia great Adam Gilchrist, who amassed 2,634 runs in 41 away Tests.

Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel’s composed unbeaten 95 helped India reach 475 for eight at tea on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka on Monday. Jurel, who reached his second successive Test fifty, shared a crucial 112-run stand with Rishabh Pant for the sixth wicket.

Pant showed little discomfort and scored a gritty 63 before being dismissed by Keshara Nuwantha. He faced a barrage of short balls from Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara but responded confidently, including a six over fine leg.

After Pant’s departure, Jurel continued his impressive stay, adding 54 with Manav Suthar, who made 18. Suthar was eventually dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya.

Jurel, who had gone eight innings without a fifty-plus score before the Galle Test, has now struck half-centuries in consecutive Tests. Mohammed Siraj was unbeaten without scoring when rain forced an early tea.