In a remarkable display of skill and power,
During his innings of 63 runs off 89 balls, Pant struck two sixes, bringing his total to 102 sixes in just 52 Test matches. This impressive feat allowed him to eclipse Gilchrist's record of 100 sixes, which he achieved in 96 Tests. Pant's aggressive approach has not only made him a formidable player but also a record-breaker, as he had previously made headlines by becoming the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket. He now trails only England's Ben Stokes, who leads with 138 sixes in 122 Tests, and former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who has 107 sixes in 101 matches.
Breaking More Records
In addition to his six-hitting prowess, Pant's performance in Colombo allowed him to surpass another significant milestone. He has now become India's highest run-scorer by a wicketkeeper in away or neutral Test matches, overtaking the legendary MS Dhoni. Pant has amassed a total of 2,534 runs in 36 Tests, averaging 41.54, which includes six centuries and 11 fifties. In contrast, Dhoni concluded his Test career with 2,496 runs from 48 matches, featuring one century and 18 fifties.
Furthermore, Pant's achievements did not stop there. He also became India's leading run-scorer in the World Test Championship (WTC), surpassing captain Shubman Gill. Pant has now scored 2,948 runs in 42 WTC matches, maintaining an average of 42.11 and a strike rate exceeding 74. His WTC statistics include six centuries and 18 fifties, with a top score of 146. Gill, who previously held the record, has accumulated 2,917 runs in 42 Tests, including 10 centuries and nine fifties.
