MS Dhoni’s Record In Danger As Rishabh Pant Eyes Massive Feat In Headingley Test
The highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and England is set to begin on June 20 at Headingley, marking the start of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for Team India. After facing heartbreak in the previous WTC final, India begins this campaign with a renewed squad. The retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have ushered in a new era led by Shubman Gill, with Rishabh Pant expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s batting unit.
For Pant, who endured a tough IPL 2025 season with Delhi Capitals, the England tour offers a perfect opportunity to reclaim his dominance in red-ball cricket. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter is not only crucial for India’s chances in the series but also finds himself on the verge of surpassing one of Indian cricket’s most cherished figures—MS Dhoni.
Pant Set to Surpass MS Dhoni’s Test Century Tally
Rishabh Pant currently has six centuries in Test cricket, the same as MS Dhoni. A century in the upcoming Headingley Test would see Pant move past Dhoni to become the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test hundreds (7).
Interestingly, Pant’s record against England is formidable. Of his six centuries, three have come against the English side, including two in their own conditions—at The Oval and Edgbaston. His ability to take the game away from opponents with counter-attacking innings has made him a feared red-ball batter across the globe.
The upcoming Headingley Test presents a golden chance for Pant to etch his name in Indian cricket history as the most prolific keeper-batter in terms of centuries in Tests.
Pant Could Also Surpass MS Dhoni’s SENA Record
There’s more at stake than just the century tally. Pant is also on the brink of breaking another significant MS Dhoni record—most Test runs by an Asian wicketkeeper in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries.
Currently, Dhoni holds the record with 1,732 runs from 32 Tests in SENA nations at an average of 31.47, including 13 fifties. Pant, on the other hand, has amassed 1,681 runs in just 26 Tests in the same conditions, averaging 37.35. A fifty in the first Test at Headingley will see Pant surpass Dhoni and become the highest-scoring Asian keeper in SENA regions.
A Defining Series for Rishabh Pant
This England series could be a turning point in Rishabh Pant’s Test career. With a point to prove, leadership responsibility in the batting department, and two significant records within reach, all eyes will be on Pant as he walks out in white for India at Headingley.
