Rishabh Pant’s Record-Breaking Knock Pushes Team India Forward in IND v NZ Test
In a dramatic turn of events on the fourth day of the first Test between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Rishabh Pant once again demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion. Coming to bat alongside Sarfaraz Khan, Pant took charge of the situation, breaking significant records and helping Team India recover from a difficult position.
New Zealand had earlier posted a formidable 402 in their first innings, putting immense pressure on India. In response, the Indian team struggled and was bowled out for just 46 runs, with a massive deficit of 356 runs. By the end of the third day, India was at 231/3, still trailing by 125 runs, with Virat Kohli’s dismissal coming as a final blow on the day.
Pant and Sarfaraz’s Game-Changing Partnership
The fourth day began with Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan at the crease, both of them determined to turn the tide. What followed was a masterclass in resilience and aggression. Pant and Sarfaraz stitched together a remarkable 177-run partnership for the fourth wicket, taking India close to New Zealand’s lead and bringing the team back into contention.
Sarfaraz played a brilliant knock, scoring 150 runs, which included some exquisite strokes. His maiden Test century was an innings full of determination and class. However, his dismissal left the onus on Pant to continue the recovery.
Pant Breaks Records, Eyes Century
Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, continued to attack and reach personal milestones. He completed his 12th Test half-century in just 56 balls, a knock studded with five boundaries and three towering sixes. This innings saw him break two significant records of former Indian captains.
Pant surpassed Kapil Dev to become the sixth Indian batsman with the most sixes in Test cricket. He also completed 2500 runs in Test cricket, achieving the feat in just 62 innings. With this, Pant broke MS Dhoni’s record, who had completed the same milestone in 69 innings.
Fastest Indian Wicketkeeper to 2500 Runs in Tests
- Rishabh Pant – 62 innings
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni – 69 innings
- Farooq Engineer – 82 innings
Pant’s explosive batting display and record-breaking milestones have once again shown why he is regarded as the future of Indian cricket. As Team India eyes a comeback in the Test match, Pant’s performance will be crucial in determining the outcome.
