Rishabh Pant produced another memorable moment in his Test career on the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The India wicketkeeper-batter smashed a quick half-century and, in the process, reached a major milestone in Test cricket.
Rishabh Pant completed his 20th Test half-century in the second session by hitting a pull shot over long leg for six. That six was special as it was the 100th six of his Test career. With this achievement, he became the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket. He reached the landmark in just 51 Tests, making him the fastest player to get there.
Overall, Rishabh Pant is only the fourth batter in the Test history to reach 100 sixes. He joined an elite list featuring Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum and Adam Gilchrist. Ben Stokes holds the record for the most sixes in Test cricket with 138, followed by Brendon McCullum with 107. Australia legend Adam Gilchrist is third with 100 sixes.
Rishabh Pant eventually scored 66 runs from 69 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes. Since making his Test debut in 2018, Pant has become a key part of India’s team. He has consistently produced important performances in challenging conditions and has scored memorable centuries in countries including India, England, Australia and South Africa.
One of his most famous performances came during India’s historic Test victory over Australia in Brisbane in 2021. Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 89 as India successfully chased a big target on the final day to win the match and claim the series 2-1. Before that, he had also played a crucial 97 off 118 balls in Sydney, helping India secure a hard-fought draw.
Rishabh Pant’s career was temporarily interrupted after he suffered serious injuries in a car crash in December 2022. The accident kept him away from cricket for more than a year. However, he made a remarkable comeback earlier than expected during the IPL 2024. Playing for Delhi Capitals, he returned strongly and scored 446 runs during the season.
Now, with 100 Test sixes to his name, Rishabh Pant has added another historic achievement to a career already filled with remarkable comebacks and match-winning performances.
Well played Rishabh Pant!
