Rishabh Pant has added another major milestone to his Test career, overtaking former India captain MS Dhoni to become the country’s highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away or neutral Tests.
Rishabh Pant has etched his name above legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni in India’s Test record books.
Pant achieved the landmark during India’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Monday, August 24, 2026. The left-hander moved past Dhoni’s tally of 2,496 runs in away or neutral Tests to take the top spot.
At the time of reporting, Pant had accumulated 2,501 runs at an average of 41.68, narrowly moving ahead of Dhoni.
The milestone adds another significant achievement to Pant’s already impressive Test career and underlines his impact as India’s wicketkeeper-batter across overseas conditions.
Pant overtakes Dhoni
Dhoni, widely regarded as one of India’s greatest wicketkeeper-batters, had held the record with 2,496 runs in away or neutral Tests.
Pant’s latest achievement means he now leads the list with 2,501 runs.
The top five Indian wicketkeepers in this category are:
- Rishabh Pant — 2,501 runs
- MS Dhoni — 2,496 runs
- Farokh Engineer — 1,209 runs
- Syed Kirmani — 1,109 runs
- Kiran More — 901 runs
Pant’s achievement is particularly notable considering the relatively short period in which he has established himself as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in Test cricket.
Injury scare on Day 1
Pant’s record-breaking moment came after an injury scare during the opening day of the second Test.
The India batter was struck on his left arm by a short delivery from Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru Kumara during the third session.
Pant attempted to pull the delivery behind square but missed the ball, which hit his arm. He was visibly uncomfortable and received immediate attention from the Indian team physiotherapist.
An ice pack was initially applied before his arm was strapped. However, Pant continued to appear in discomfort and eventually walked off the field alongside the physiotherapist after facing 15 balls and scoring three runs.
Pant returns to bat despite the blow
The injury did not keep Pant away from the crease for long.
He returned to bat on Day 2 after Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando dismissed Saransh Jain for six, leaving India in need of another batter.
Pant joined Dhruv Jurel in the middle as India looked to build a competitive total.
Sri Lanka’s pacers continued to target Pant with short-pitched deliveries. The wicketkeeper-batter took a couple of blows to the shoulder but remained at the crease.
Pant and Jurel then put together a valuable partnership, adding 47 runs by the drinks break and helping India recover.
Another landmark for Pant
Pant’s latest record is another reminder of how quickly he has established himself among India’s leading Test wicketkeeper-batters.
Overtaking Dhoni in a category dominated by the former captain for years marks a significant moment in Pant’s career.
With the second Test in Colombo still underway, Pant has already ensured that his name will remain alongside Dhoni’s in another important chapter of Indian cricket history.
