Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has praised Rishabh Pant, calling him India’s greatest wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket after his amazing century against England in the first Test at Headingley.
Pant scored 134 runs off 178 balls, hitting 12 fours and 6 sixes at a fast strike rate of over 75. His performance helped India post a big score of 471 runs. He now holds the record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper, going past MS Dhoni.
Speaking on Match Centre Live, Manjrekar said,
“Pant is by far India’s best wicketkeeper-batter in Test history. I was nervous when he reached the 90s because he often gets out in the 90s. But he did it again, and he’s a breath of fresh air.”
He also praised the English crowd for their sportsmanship:
“Even after Pant got out, many England fans stood up and clapped for him. That’s what makes cricket in England special—they love the game, no matter who plays well.”
Read more: Captain Gill Breaks Down After Scoring 147 — What Triggered the Tears?
Pant’s Record-Breaking Stats:
- Most Test centuries (7) by an Indian wicketkeeper
- Most hundreds (5) in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) by any Asian batter
- Equalled Kumar Sangakkara’s record (7) for most Test hundreds by an Asian wicketkeeper
- Second Indian wicketkeeper after Dhoni to cross 3,000 Test runs
Pant has scored 3,082 runs in 44 Tests with an average of 43.40, including 7 centuries and 15 half-centuries, all with a quick scoring rate.
In the same match, Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) and captain Shubman Gill (147) also scored centuries. For England, Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue took four wickets each.
Read more: How Did Yashasvi Jaiswal Break a Record? Even Tendulkar, Kohli, and Viv Richards Came Nowhere Close!
Pant continues to prove himself as a top performer in tough overseas conditions and is becoming one of India’s most reliable Test match players.
