Rishabh Pant marked his Test comeback against Bangladesh in Chennai by scoring his 6th Test hundred, equaling MS Dhoni’s record for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. India won the match convincingly by 280 runs.
🏏 Key Highlights of Pant’s Achievement
- Match Context:
- India vs Bangladesh, 1st Test of the two-match series at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (September 2024).
- India won by 280 runs after scoring 376 in the first innings and 287/4 declared in the second. Bangladesh managed 149 and 234 in reply.
- Pant’s Performance:
- First innings: Scored 39 runs off 52 balls.
- Second innings: Scored a brilliant 109 runs off 128 balls, showcasing aggressive stroke play.
- He reached his century in 124 deliveries, a fluent knock filled with boundaries and attacking intent.
- Historic Comeback:
- This was Pant’s return to Test cricket after 629–637 days, following his recovery from a serious car accident in late 2022.
- His century was hailed as a statement of resilience and determination.
- Record Equaled:
- Pant’s sixth Test hundred equals MS Dhoni’s record for most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper.
- Dhoni had set the benchmark with six centuries during his illustrious career. Pant now joins him at the top of this exclusive list.
- Match-Winning Partnership:
- Pant’s century came at a crucial time when India was under pressure after Virat Kohli’s dismissal.
- His knock stabilized the innings and set up India’s dominant victory.
- Pant vs Dhoni: Both now share the record of 6 Test centuries as Indian wicketkeepers.
- Pant’s Style: Unlike Dhoni’s more measured Test batting, Pant is known for his fearless, attacking approach, often shifting momentum in India’s favor.
- Symbolic Return: Beyond statistics, this century symbolized Pant’s successful comeback to international cricket after a career-threatening accident.
Pant’s achievement not only places him alongside Dhoni in the record books but also reaffirms his role as India’s most dynamic wicketkeeper-batter in the modern era.
