Indian cricket’s wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant has once again exhibited his talent and prowess on the field, continuing his robust comeback to Test cricket. Demonstrating his skill with the bat, Pant struck the limelight during the India vs New Zealand 1st Test held in Bengaluru, following an impressive century against Bangladesh. This time, Pant added another feather to his cap by scoring an unbeaten fifty. However, it wasn’t just his fifty that grabbed the headlines. The flamboyant wicketkeeper batter managed to surpass an iconic figure in Indian cricket history, Kapil Dev, on a key record list, retaining his place as one of the game’s most exciting talents.
Rishabh Pant, renowned for his exceptional ability to hit sixes, has surpassed Kapil Dev in the prestigious list of players with the most sixes in the history of Test cricket. Leading up to this match, Pant was precisely three sixes away from eclipsing Kapil Dev’s total tally of 61. In a thrilling over, Pant dispatched the left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel for two consecutive sixes, thereby surpassing the mark set by the legendary all-rounder. With these magnificent strokes, Pant advanced past Kapil Dev to claim his position as India’s sixth-highest six-hitter in Test cricket—a remarkable achievement given his relatively short innings tally compared to Kapil Dev’s career.
Here’s a quick glance at the standings for the most sixes hit by Indians in Test cricket, showcasing Pant’s recent accomplishment:
1 – Virender Sehwag: 90 sixes in 178 innings
2 – Rohit Sharma: 88 sixes in 107 innings
3 – MS Dhoni: 78 sixes in 144 innings
4 – Sachin Tendulkar: 69 sixes in 329 innings
5 – Ravindra Jadeja: 66 sixes in 108 innings
6 – Rishabh Pant: 63 sixes* in 62 innings
7 – Kapil Dev: 61 sixes in 184 innings
During this pivotal test match, the Indian team faced a significant challenge. At the end of the first innings, they were handed a substantial trail of 356 runs by the New Zealand team. India’s batsmen found themselves in a precarious position after being bowled out for a meager 46 in their first essay, as New Zealand piled up an impressive total of 402 runs, putting the Indian side under immense pressure to make a comeback.
Undeterred by past setbacks, the Indian team exhibited remarkable resilience in the second innings. Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided India with a solid beginning, setting the foundation with a constructive 72-run partnership at the top of the order.
. Rohit Sharma showcased his explosive batting style, racing to a brisk half-century off just 63 balls. Meanwhile, his partner Jaiswal chipped in with a commendable score of 35 before losing his wicket.
The momentum was carried forward by India’s stalwart batsman Virat Kohli and the promising young talent Sarfaraz Khan. These two formed an indomitable partnership, putting together an impressive stand of 136 runs for the third wicket. Kohli, however, was unfortunate to lose his wicket off the very last ball of Day 3, making way for Sarfaraz Khan’s phenomenal innings. Sarfaraz made heads turn as he went on to score his maiden Test century, further boosting the Indian side’s fighting spirit.
Rishabh Pant’s innings was a perfect amalgamation of aggression and composure. He remained steadfast at the crease, matching his peers’ performances and contributing significantly to India’s endeavor to establish a formidable lead. It’s evident that Pant’s approach to batting not only energizes the team but also radically shifts the dynamics of any contest, as he explores gaps with astonishing speed and precision.
As the match progressed, India looked determined to set an imposing target for the visitors. This was not just a display of talent but also a testament to the Indian team’s capability to recover from setbacks and challenge strong opponents like New Zealand fiercely. Pant’s ascension past Kapil Dev in the six-hitting ranks symbolizes a milestone in Indian cricket, not just underlining Pant’s growing legacy but also signaling the promising future of Indian batting prowess in Test cricket. Fans and critics alike will keenly observe Rishabh Pant’s trajectory as he promises to deliver more remarkable performances in the upcoming matches.
