India's wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant sustained an injury during the Lords Test match against England. While attempting to collect a delivery from fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the first innings of England, Pant injured the index finger of his left hand. Consequently, Pant had to leave the field, and Dhruv Jurel took over the wicketkeeping duties.
Despite the injury, it was heartening to see Rishabh Pant come out to bat in India's first innings on the second day (July 11). After Shubman Gill's dismissal in the third session, Pant took charge. The injury showed no signs of affecting his batting. His footwork was remarkable, and he played some exquisite shots. By the close of play on the second day, Pant remained unbeaten on 19 runs. During this time, Pant achieved a significant milestone.
Rishabh Pant has now become the highest scoring Asian wicketkeeper in a Test series on English soil, surpassing former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Prior to this series, Pant was tied with Dhoni, who scored 349 runs on the 2014 tour of England. As of the 2021 England tour, Pant also matched 349 runs with his bat.
Rishabh Pant is also the Asian wicketkeeper with the most runs in a single Test series in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). Pant has surpassed his own record. On the Australia tour in 2018, he scored 350 runs in a Test series. He has now surpassed that figure.
Most Runs in SENA Test Series (Asian Wicketkeeper)
361* Rishabh Pant vs England, 2025* 350 Rishabh Pant vs Australia, 2018 349 MS Dhoni vs England, 2014 349 Rishabh Pant vs England, 2021 321 Farokh Engineer vs New Zealand, 1968
Rishabh Pant has scored 361 runs in the current test series against England. If his excellent form continues, he could become the wicketkeeper with the most runs in a single Test series. Currently, the record is held by South Africa's Denis Lindsay, who scored 606 runs against Australia during the 1966-67 Test series.
Chance for Pant to Surpass Sachin and Kohli
Rishabh Pant scored centuries in both innings during the Leeds Test match. Additionally, he scored a half-century in the second innings of the Edgbaston Test. Pant now has four Test centuries in England. He is currently tied with Indian batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli for most Test centuries in England. Rahul Dravid leads this category with six centuries.
