Former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra sparked a debate between MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant about who is India’s best-ever Test wicketkeeper-batsman. The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that Pant has already surpassed Dhoni’s century tally in fewer matches in the longer format of the game.
Pant has scored 3,427 runs with eight centuries in 47 Tests at an average of 44.50. The left-handed batter scored 479 runs at an impressive average of 68.42 during the recent series against England. Meanwhile, Dhoni scored 4,876 runs in 90 Test matches at an average of 38.09, including six centuries.
Rishabh Pant Will Obviously Surpass MS Dhoni – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Pant is behind MS Dhoni in terms of runs but has already scored more centuries in fewer matches. Chopra added that Pant is likely to surpass Dhoni’s run tally and become India’s top Test wicketkeeper-batsman.
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“MS Dhoni is at the top in terms of the number of matches played and runs scored. He has played 90 games, 144 innings, scored 4876 runs at an average of 38.09, and has six centuries to his name. Rishabh Pant has struck six centuries in the last five years,” Chopra said.
“If we look at it overall, Rishabh Pant has already scored eight centuries and MS Dhoni had six centuries. Rishabh Pant is already in the second spot (in terms of number of runs). He is 1400 runs behind MS Dhoni and has played nearly half the games. If he plays more, he will obviously go ahead of MS Dhoni,” he added.
Rishabh Pant Will Finish as One of the Finest – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said that Pant is the only visiting wicketkeeper-batsman to score over 1,000 Test runs in England. Chopra added that Pant is closing the gap with Adam Gilchrist and has the potential to surpass him to become the highest-scoring wicketkeeper in Test cricket.
“If we consider the most runs by a wicketkeeper in England, he is the only one who has scored 1000 runs in England. He has struck four centuries and five half-centuries. He has scored more than 1000 runs in 13 matches and 24 innings. They might start building his statues in England.”
“If we see the list of all Test wicketkeepers in the world to date, Adam Gilchrist has scored 5570 runs at an average of 47.60 in 96 matches. He is the one who is fairly ahead of him. However, Gilchrist might also be caught because Pant is nearly 2250 runs behind. Without a shadow of doubt, India’s No. 1 wicketkeeper-batter ever and in world cricket, he will finish as one of the finest and probably the best,” added Chopra.
Rishabh Pant Likely To Miss 2025 Asia Cup and Home Series vs West Indies
Rishabh Pant performed well in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against England. The Indian vice-captain scored 479 runs in seven innings at an average of 68.42, including two centuries at Headingley and three half-centuries.
Pant also recorded the most Test hundreds by an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, surpassing MS Dhoni. He played a crucial role in India’s competitiveness throughout the series.
However, Pant’s campaign was marred by injuries. He suffered a finger injury during the third Test at Lord’s, and substitute Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties. Pant suffered a foot injury attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes in the fourth Test.
The 27-year-old was forced to miss the final Test at The Oval. As per a report from the Hindustan Times, Pant may also miss the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and the home Test series against the West Indies.
Also read: Watch: Alastair Cook, David Warner imitate Rishabh Pant’s epic falling scoop during The Hundred
