Rishabh Pant has always been known for his bold stroke play, fearless mindset and ability to change the course of a match within minutes. From his early days as a young wicketkeeper-batter to becoming India’s Test vice-captain, Rishabh Pant has built a reputation for bringing excitement to the longest format like few others of his generation. His style may look effortless but it comes from confidence, instinct and a deep love for playing attacking cricket. And on a memorable morning in Kolkata, that approach helped him script a new chapter in Indian cricket history.
On Saturday, November 15, Rishabh Pant broke the record for the most sixes hit by an Indian in Test cricket. Playing his 48th Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, he needed just one six to move past Virender Sehwag’s mark of 90. He achieved it in the morning session of Day 2, sending the ball soaring into the stands as the crowd erupted.
Rishabh Pant went on to score 27 runs in the first innings, hitting two fours and two sixes off just 24 balls. Those two sixes pushed his overall tally to 92 in Test cricket, two more than Sehwag and sealed his place at the top of India’s six-hitters list in the format.
While this is a significant moment in Rishabh Pant’s career, he is now closing in on an even bigger milestone. The world record for the most Test sixes belongs to England’s captain Ben Stokes who has smashed 136 sixes in 115 matches. Behind Ben Stokes are New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum and Australia’s Adam Gilchrist, both were known for their explosive batting.
If Rishabh Pant manages to hit at least eight more sixes in the ongoing series against South Africa, he will become the first Indian and only the fourth cricketer in the world to reach 100 Test sixes.
Rishabh Pant’s entertaining innings ended when he became the fourth Indian wicket to fall. Corbin Bosch dismissed him in the 44th over, with Kyle Verreynne taking the catch behind the stumps. But even in a short stay, Pant made sure he left a mark on the game and the record books.
With many more years of Test cricket ahead, Rishabh Pant’s tally is likely to grow and fans can expect many more towering hits from one of the most daring batters of India.
