Indian Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant has created a historic record in red-ball cricket. He has now hit the most sixes for India in Tests, going past legendary opener Virender Sehwag. Pant reached this milestone during the ongoing Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens.
Rishabh Pant Breaks Virender Sehwag’s Record
Pant achieved the feat in his 48th Test. He came out to bat after captain Shubman Gill was retired hurt with neck cramps on the second morning. Pant wasted no time and attacked the South African bowlers from the start. On the fifth ball he faced, he smashed his 91st Test six, overtaking Sehwag’s tally of 90.
Pant continued to play fearlessly against Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. His quick cameo included two fours and two sixes. However, his stay at the crease ended soon. He was dismissed for 27 off 24 balls. His aggressive innings gave India a brief boost before he edged one to wicketkeeper Corbin Bosch off Kyle Verreynne.
With this, Rishabh Pant now leads India’s list of most Test sixes with 92. Sehwag follows with 90, Rohit Sharma with 88, Ravindra Jadeja with 80, and MS Dhoni with 78.
Pant’s achievement is even more special because he has made this record in far fewer matches than the others. His ability to hit big shots in the longest format has always made him a unique and dangerous batter.
Pant returned to international cricket recently after a long injury break. He had fractured his foot during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The injury forced him into months of rehab. He made his comeback in the unofficial Test series against South Africa A while playing for India A. Pant impressed everyone with two half-centuries, even after taking several blows on his body.
Now back in the main Test side, Pant showed that he still has the same attacking style. His short knock in Kolkata reminded fans of his fearless approach. Even though the innings was brief, it was enough to create history.
Pant also has a chance to reach another rare milestone. If he hits eight more sixes in the ongoing series, he will become the first Indian to smash 100 sixes in Test cricket. He will also become only the fourth player in Test history to achieve this mark.
