Rishabh Pant surpasses MS Dhoni as India's highest run-scoring wicketkeeper in away Tests

Rishabh Pant plays a shot as Sri Lanka's Niroshan Dickwella watches during day two of the second Test. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant has moved past legendary MS Dhoni to become India’s highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away or neutral Tests, adding another major milestone to his growing record book. Pant crossed 2,500 runs in the category during India’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Monday, edging past Dhoni’s previous mark of 2,496. Pant has achieved the tally at an average of almost 42, significantly better than Dhoni’s 32.84. Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer is a distant third on the list with 1,209 runs at 32.67, followed by Syed Kirmani with 1,109 at 21.74 and Kiran More with 901 at 29.06.

Pant battles through injury scare

The milestone came a day after Pant had endured an injury scare at the SSC ground. The India wicketkeeper-batter was struck on his left arm by a short delivery from Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru Kumara during the third session on Sunday. Pant attempted to pull the delivery behind square but missed it, taking the full impact on his arm. He was visibly in discomfort and was attended to by the Indian team physiotherapist, who initially applied an ice pack before Pant’s arm was strapped.

After making just three runs from 15 balls, Pant walked off the field alongside the physiotherapist in the 58th over. His early departure added to India’s concerns on a day when they were already being tested by Sri Lanka’s bowlers.

Most runs as wicketkeeper in away/neutral Tests (India)

2501* - Rishabh Pant (Avg: 41.68)

2496 - MS Dhoni (Avg: 32.84)

1209 - Farokh Engineer (Avg: 32.67)

1109 - Syed Kirmani (Avg: 21.74)

901 - Kiran More (Avg: 29.06)

Pant returns to help India rebuild

Despite the blow, Pant returned to the middle on Monday after Sri Lanka claimed India’s sixth wicket through Asitha Fernando, who dismissed debutant Saransh Jain for six. Pant joined Dhruv Jurel with India needing stability and immediately faced another stern examination from the Sri Lankan pacers. Fernando and the other quicks repeatedly tested him with short-pitched deliveries, with Pant taking a couple of blows to the shoulder before the drinks break. The 28-year-old nevertheless showed considerable resilience and continued batting despite the discomfort. Jurel provided valuable support at the other end as the pair put together a crucial partnership to steady India’s innings.