Rishabh Pant Shines as India's Top Wicketkeeper-Batter with Record Century

Sanjay Manjrekar Praises Rishabh Pant's Remarkable Performance
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 21: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has lauded Rishabh Pant, declaring him the nation's "greatest wicketkeeper-batter ever" after his stunning century against England, describing him as a "breath of fresh air."
Pant showcased his exceptional form in Test cricket by scoring his seventh Test century, setting multiple records during his innings in the first Test against England at Leeds.
During a segment on 'Match Centre Live' following the initial session, JioStar expert Manjrekar remarked, "He is undoubtedly India’s finest Test batter-keeper. I was concerned when he approached the 90s, fearing he might end up with his eighth 90 of his career. It’s astonishing how many times he has reached the 90s! But he truly is a breath of fresh air."
He continued, "When he concluded his innings and raised his bat, many English fans stood up to applaud. This is what we appreciate about England; their supporters come to witness quality cricket. They want their team to succeed, but they also recognize and appreciate excellence from the opposing side."
On Saturday, Pant surpassed MS Dhoni to become the Indian wicketkeeper-batter with the most Test centuries, further proving his prowess on challenging pitches outside Asia.
Pant achieved this milestone during India's first Test against England at Leeds, scoring 134 runs off 178 balls, including 12 fours and six sixes, with a strike rate exceeding 75. He now has seven centuries, surpassing Dhoni's six Test centuries.
This marks his fifth century in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) conditions, the highest by any Asian batter. Notably, three of these centuries were scored in England, with one each in Australia and South Africa.
Additionally, he has matched Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara with seven centuries as a designated keeper in Tests among all Asian countries.
Earlier on Friday, Pant also crossed the 3,000 Test runs milestone, becoming the second Indian wicketkeeper-batter to achieve this after Dhoni, and he surpassed Dhoni to become Asia's most successful wicketkeeper-batter in SENA based on run count.
In his 44 Tests for India, Pant has amassed 3,082 runs at an average of 43.40, including seven centuries and 15 fifties across 76 innings, with an impressive strike rate of 73.69.
In the match, England chose to bowl first. Centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101 runs off 159 balls, with 16 fours), captain Shubman Gill (147 runs off 227 balls, with 19 fours and a six), and Pant (134 runs off 178 balls, with 12 fours and six sixes) propelled India to a total of 471 all out.
For England, skipper Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/86) were the standout bowlers.