Pant Surpasses Dhoni to Set New Away Test Record

New Delhi, August 24, 2026 Rishabh Pant has added another significant achievement to his Test career, surpassing former India captain MS Dhoni to become India’s leading run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away and neutral Test matches. The landmark came during India’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Monday, reflecting Pant’s growing influence as a wicketkeeper-batter in overseas conditions. Pant crossed the milestone after taking his tally to 2,501 runs in away and neutral Tests at an average of 41.68, moving beyond Dhoni’s previous total of 2,496 runs. Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer occupies third place with 1,209 runs, while Syed Kirmani and Kiran More follow with 1,109 and 901 runs respectively. The achievement came just a day after Pant was forced to retire hurt during the opening day of the second Test. In the third session, Sri Lanka fast bowler Lahiru Kumara delivered a short ball that Pant attempted to pull behind square but failed to connect with, resulting in the ball hitting his left arm. Pant was clearly in pain and received immediate treatment from the Indian team physiotherapist. An ice pack was first applied and his arm was later strapped, although the tape was subsequently removed as the discomfort persisted. He eventually left the field with the physiotherapist in the 58th over after scoring three runs from 15 deliveries. Pant, however, returned to bat on the second day after Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando dismissed Saransh Jain for six to claim India’s sixth wicket. Joining Dhruv Jurel at the crease, Pant continued despite being tested with short-pitched bowling and taking a couple of blows to his shoulder before the drinks break. Showing determination in difficult circumstances, Pant and Jurel added 47 runs to steady India’s innings by the interval, bringing a resilient response to a memorable individual milestone.