Rishabh Pant has moved past MS Dhoni to become India's highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away or neutral Test matches, adding another
significant milestone to his rapidly expanding record.
Pant crossed Dhoni's mark of 2,496 runs during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Monday, taking his aggregate to 2,501 runs at an average of 41.68. Dhoni had scored his 2,496 runs at an average of 32.84.
The latest landmark further underlines Pant's impact with the bat in overseas Test cricket, where his aggressive approach and ability to change the momentum of an innings have made him one of India's most valuable players.
Rishabh Pant's numbers at No. 5 underline his consistency
Pant's record while batting at No. 5 provides further context to his contribution in the middle order. Across the innings listed, he has produced a series of substantial scores, including five centuries and numerous fifties.
His scores at the position include 97, 89 not out, 96, 146, 93, 109, 99, 64, 134, 118, 65, 74, 54, 81, 66 and 63, alongside several other useful contributions.
The 146 off 111 balls and 134 off 178 balls stand out for their size, while the 89 not out, 118 and 109 further demonstrate his ability to produce match-defining innings from the No. 5 position.
The numbers also reflect the volatility that comes with Pant's attacking style. Alongside his big scores are several low returns, including a duck, a one and a two. Yet the frequency of his substantial contributions has made him a prolific run-scorer in Test cricket.
Rishabh Pant surpasses Dhoni in overseas Tests
Pant's 2,501 runs have now taken him beyond Dhoni's tally in away or neutral Tests, with the former India captain remaining second on the list.
Farokh Engineer is a distant third with 1,209 runs, followed by Syed Kirmani on 1,109 and Kiran More with 901.
Pant has reached the milestone at a significantly better average than Dhoni, highlighting the impact he has had as a specialist wicketkeeper-batter in overseas conditions.
Rishabh Pant battles through injury scare in Colombo
The milestone came amid a difficult Test for Pant, who was forced to retire hurt on the opening day after being struck on his left arm by a short delivery from Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara.
Pant attempted to pull the ball behind square but missed it, taking the full impact on his arm. He was visibly uncomfortable and was attended to by the Indian team physiotherapist, who initially applied an ice pack before the arm was strapped.
After scoring 3 runs off 15 balls, Pant left the field during the 58th over of India's innings, accompanied by the physiotherapist.
He returned on the second day after Sri Lanka claimed India's sixth wicket, with Asitha Fernando dismissing debutant Saransh Jain for six.
Pant joined Dhruv Jurel at the crease with India needing to rebuild, but Sri Lanka's fast bowlers continued to test him with short-pitched deliveries. Pant took a couple of blows to the shoulder before the drinks break but remained at the crease.
Together with Jurel, he helped India stabilise the innings, adding 47 runs before the drinks break.
The latest milestone therefore came in typically Pant-like circumstances: after an injury scare and under sustained pressure from the opposition, the wicketkeeper-batter returned to the middle and continued to contribute to India's cause.
