Rishabh Pant added another major record to his Test career during India’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter went past MS Dhoni to become India’s highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away and neutral Test matches.
Pant reached the landmark on Monday, August 24, during a determined 63-run knock at the Sinhalese Sports Club. He came into the match carrying an arm injury but still produced an important innings as India strengthened their position in the Test.
The record is particularly significant because Dhoni had held it for several years. Pant’s latest achievement adds another chapter to the long comparison between two of India’s most successful wicketkeeper-batters.
Pant Goes Past Dhoni in Away Tests
Pant entered the second Test needing only a handful of runs to move past Dhoni’s tally of 2,496 runs in away and neutral Tests. His 63 off 89 balls took his tally to 2,534 runs, putting him at the top of the Indian list.
The numbers also show how quickly Pant has reached the mark. He has done it in far fewer matches than Dhoni and with a much better batting average in these conditions.
| Wicketkeeper-batter | Away/Neutral Test Runs | Away Average |
| Rishabh Pant | 2,534 | ~41.68 |
| MS Dhoni | 2,496 | 32.48 |
| Farokh Engineer | 1,209 | 32.67 |
| Syed Kirmani | 1,109 | 21.74 |
| Kiran More | 901 | 29.06 |
Pant’s numbers underline his value when India play outside home conditions. His ability to score quickly, take the game away from the opposition and still produce runs when the situation demands patience has made him a vital part of India’s Test side.
A Gritty 63 After Injury Concern
Pant’s record-breaking innings was not completely straightforward. He had suffered an injury to his left wrist during the first day of the Colombo Test and had retired hurt, creating concerns about whether he would be able to continue batting.
He returned on the second day and played an attacking innings. Pant scored 63 runs from 89 deliveries, giving India another push towards a big first-innings total.
His knock included two sixes, and one of them was a huge blow that reportedly damaged a solar panel at the SSC ground.
Pant was eventually dismissed for 63, but by then the damage to Sri Lanka had already been done. His innings also came alongside a superb unbeaten century from Dhruv Jurel, who finished on 115 as India declared on 503/9.
Pant Also Moves Ahead of Gilchrist
The Colombo innings brought another major record for Pant. Having already reached 100 Test sixes during the first Test in Galle, Pant added two more sixes in Colombo to move to 102. That took him past former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist, who had 100 Test sixes.
Pant is now the third-highest six-hitter in Test history. Only two players remain ahead of him on the overall list, making this another remarkable achievement for a player who has always been known for his attacking approach.
His 100th Test six in Galle was historic in its own right. Pant became the fastest player to reach 100 sixes in Test cricket, achieving the feat in his 51st Test and after facing 4,918 balls. He also became the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in the format.
Pant Overtakes Gill in WTC Runs
There was another important milestone for Pant during the Sri Lanka series. The wicketkeeper-batter moved past Shubman Gill to become India’s highest run-scorer in World Test Championship history. Pant reached 2,948 WTC runs, moving ahead of Gill’s 2,917.
It is an impressive achievement considering the importance of Gill to India’s current Test batting line-up. Pant’s consistency across different overseas conditions has allowed him to build a strong record in the championship.
Pant Continues to Build His Own Legacy
Breaking Dhoni’s away Test record does not erase what the former India captain achieved. Dhoni remains one of the most important wicketkeeper-batters in Indian cricket history, particularly for his leadership and contribution across formats.
From becoming the fastest player to 100 Test sixes to overtaking Gilchrist and Dhoni, the 28-year-old has continued to add major milestones to his career. His ability to combine aggressive strokeplay with valuable Test runs has made him one of India’s most influential players in overseas cricket.
The Colombo Test was another example. Even with an injury concern, Pant returned to the middle, scored a crucial 63 and left with yet another record in his name. India’s 503/9 declaration, powered by Jurel’s 115 and Pant’s contribution, put the visitors firmly in control after Day 2.
