Rishabh Pant's Edgbaston Knock Etches SENA History: Indian Star Breaks Sixes Record & Surpasses 2,000 Test Runs

Rishabh Pant continues to redefine wicket-keeping prowess, adding another achievement to his already impressive career. On Saturday, he became the first Asian wicketkeeper-batter to surpass 2,000 Test runs while playing as a designated keeper in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). This milestone cements his position as one of the most impactful wicketkeeper-batters in contemporary cricket.

Pant achieved this feat during his dynamic second-innings knock of 65 from just 58 deliveries in the ongoing second Test against England at Edgbaston. His innings included eight boundaries and three towering sixes, showcasing a blend of aggression and calculated play as he helped India strengthen their substantial lead. While he scored a modest 25 in the first innings, this recent performance further bolsters his reputation as a player for the big occasion, especially in challenging overseas conditions.

To date, Pant has accumulated 2,023 runs in 28 SENA Tests, maintaining a healthy average of 41.28. This includes six centuries and six half-centuries, with a highest score of 159 not out.

In the current series against England, Pant stands out as India’s second-highest run-scorer, having amassed 342 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 85.50 and a striking strike rate of 81.81. His contributions include two centuries and one half-century, with a top score of 134.

Pant also broke a long-held record during his explosive innings at Edgbaston. He now holds the distinction of hitting the most sixes by a visiting batter in Tests in England, having struck 24 sixes. This surpasses Ben Stokes’ previous record of 21 sixes against South Africa.

His contributions were pivotal in India’s remarkable batting display, as they accumulated 1,014 runs at Edgbaston, their highest-ever aggregate in a Test match. This surpassed the 916 runs scored against Australia at the SCG in 2004. This marks only the sixth instance of a team exceeding 1,000 runs in a single Test match.