Rishabh Pant: India's Game-Changer in Test Cricket

On this day in 2018, a decade after Virat Kohli's impactful debut, Delhi-born Rishabh Pant stepped into the spotlight as India's leading wicketkeeper-batter, taking over from the legendary MS Dhoni. Pant, known for his aggressive play, made his mark during his Test debut against England at Nottingham with a six off Adil Rashid, hinting at an exciting future.

Since that debut, Pant has appeared in 47 Tests for India, amassing 3,427 runs at an impressive average of 44.50 and a strike rate of 74.16. In these matches, he has scored eight centuries and 18 fifties, showcasing his prowess with a top score of 159*. Among his notable achievements, Pant stands out in the SENA countries—South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia—outscoring all other Asian wicketkeeper-batters with 2,160 runs at an average of 41.53, including six centuries.

Only two of Pant's eight centuries were achieved on home soil, the rest coming from challenging overseas conditions, a testament to his adaptability and skill. In terms of six-hitting ability, Pant has equaled Virender Sehwag's record of 90 sixes, establishing himself as a formidable offensive player. Furthermore, Pant concludes the English summer as India's top run-scorer in the ICC World Test Championships, surpassing Rohit Sharma.

(With inputs from agencies.)