Rishabh Pant Becomes Fastest Indian Wicketkeeper to Reach 2500 Test Runs

Bengaluru, 19 October: Rishabh Pant etched his name in the record books on the fourth day of the first Test against New Zealand by becoming the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to score 2500 runs in Test cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

Pant achieved this milestone in just 62 innings, surpassing former Indian captain MS Dhoni, who reached the mark in 69 innings. Another Indian cricket legend, Farokh Engineer, previously held the record, achieving the feat in 82 innings.

Pant's impressive achievement came as India made a strong comeback on Day 4, posting 405/3, with a lead of 49 runs. Pant is currently unbeaten on 88, while Sarfaraz Ahmed is playing a crucial knock of 148 not out.

Resuming on 231/3, India looked to Pant and Sarfaraz to guide them closer to their target. Despite an injury to his knee while keeping on Day 3, Pant showed no signs of discomfort, playing in his trademark aggressive style. After a cautious start, Pant shifted gears, smashing two consecutive sixes off left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, and followed it up with a series of exquisite drives and sweeps.

Pant reached his 12th Test half-century off just 55 balls with a stunning cover drive off Glenn Phillips, showcasing his controlled aggression. Together with Sarfaraz, Pant has put on a solid partnership of 175 runs off 205 balls, keeping India in a commanding position.