Rishabh Pant Crushes MS Dhoni’s Record with 7th Test Ton
Rishabh Pant
📰 Pitch-Perfect Heroics: Rishabh Pant The Record-Breaking Story
On June 21, 2025, during Day 2 of the 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds, Rishabh Pant unleashed a sensational innings, scoring his seventh Test century — his fourth against England — accomplished in a brisk 146 balls . This remarkable performance etched his name in history as he surpassed MS Dhoni’s record for most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper.
📊 By the Numbers: Pant vs. Dhoni
- Pant: 7 Test centuries (6th = Dhoni’s previous), 4 of those v England
- Milestone achieved: First, as the inaugural Indian wicketkeeper to cross six centuries, now at seven
- Fast 3000 Test runs: Became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper and second fastest globally to reach 3,000 runs in Test cricket, overtaking Dhoni’s previous mark
🎉 Celebration and Reaction
Pant’s innings blew up social media with an iconic cartwheel celebration after reaching triple figures . Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar quipped humorously on air:
“After that, you need to keep a stretcher and ambulance ready, just in case.”
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar also praised him exuberantly, calling Pant “India’s greatest wicketkeeper‑batter ever” and a refreshing force in Test cricket .
🧩 What This Record Means
- Wicketkeeper-Batsman Evolution : Dhoni set the bar high by blending leadership and power—Pant, with explosive batting and agile keeping, is redefining that role in modern Test cricket.
- Mental Mettle : Scoring four centuries against England away highlights his temperament and resilience on challenging pitches.
- Guarding the Legacy : Despite Dhoni’s immortal legacy of six Test centuries as a keeper, Pant’s aggressive style and athletic flair mark a new chapter.
⏱️ Career Highlights at a Glance
| Achievement | Rishabh Pant |
|---|---|
| Test Hundreds | 7 (fastest among Indian keepers) |
| Runs to 3000 | Fastest Indian wicketkeeper |
| Centuries vs England | 4 |
| Current Role | Vice-captain in Tests, KL Rahul absent |
🎯 Impact on Indian Cricket and Fans
- Global spotlight: Pant’s ascendancy is turning him into a global cricket icon.
- Fan frenzy: His charisma—cartwheels, backflips, bold shots—has rejuvenated interest in red-ball cricket .
- Inspiring youth: With vibrant energy and fearless gameplay, Pant is becoming a role model for aspiring young cricketers.
📝 Final Takeaway
Rishabh Pant’s breathtaking century at Headingley—his seventh Test hundred, surpassing MS Dhoni’s landmark of six—marks a seismic shift in the role of wicketkeeper-batsmen. From his record-breaking milestones to his electric celebrations, Pant is shaping a vibrant legacy. The cricket world is witnessing the rise of a new icon— bold, unapologetic, and unforgettable.
