Rishabh Pant added another feather to his already glittering cap on Day 1 of the Headingley Test, becoming the fastest Asian wicketkeeper-batter to reach 3000 runs in Test cricket. The 26-year-old powerhouse achieved this milestone in just his 76th Test innings, leaving behind some of Asia’s biggest names behind the stumps. MS Dhoni, Kumar Sangakkara, and Mushfiqur Rahim all took more time to get there. Pant has done it playing his own brand of fearless, attacking cricket that has made him a fan favourite across the world. Ever since his debut, Pant has rewritten how wicketkeepers bat in Tests for India — counter-attacking in Australia, rescuing innings in England, and now anchoring and dominating as a senior player.
Fastest to 3000 Asian WKs (approx):
- Rishabh Pant – 76 innings
- Kumar Sangakkara – 78 innings
- MS Dhoni – 86 innings
His record at this point is remarkable:
- 3000+ runs at an impressive strike rate,
- Centuries in Australia and England,
- Now the most Test runs by an Asian keeper in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia).
On Day 1 at Headingley, Pant once again showed why he’s irreplaceable by smashing a quick 65* to keep the pressure on England after the top order’s solid platform. His fearless six off Chris Woakes just before stumps was classic Pant — no fear, only firework. With Pant in this mood and form, India’s lower order looks set to add plenty more runs on Day 2. For fans, the bigger joy is watching Pant break more records while staying true to his free-spirited style — one big hit at a time.
