Rishabh Pant etched his name in the record books during the second innings of the Edgbaston Test against England, triggering a hilarious reaction from teammate Jasprit Bumrah. Pant's aggressive batting display saw him surpass Ben Stokes' record for the most sixes by a batter in an away country, hitting his 23rd six in England. Stokes previously held the record with 21 sixes in South Africa.
Pant's record-breaking feat was achieved through a brutal assault on the English bowlers. With India holding a lead of over 300, Pant was given license to attack from the first ball, which he did with gusto. He raced to 41 off just 35 balls, smashing five fours and two sixes in the process, putting India in a commanding position. This explosive innings followed Pant's impressive form in the series, where he had already scored twin centuries in the first Test.
Adding to his list of accomplishments, Pant also broke the record of most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter, surpassing MS Dhoni. Pant now has seven international hundreds, with five of them scored overseas. This includes three centuries in England and one each in South Africa and Australia, showcasing his adaptability in different conditions.
Pant's heroics weren't limited to just this match. In the first Test against England at Headingley, he scored a blistering 134, studded with 12 fours and six sixes. This innings saw him break a long-standing record for the most sixes in a Test innings in England. Ross Taylor previously held the record with five sixes in 2008. Adam Gilchrist and Michael Holding also scored five sixes in a Test innings in England in 2001 and 1984, respectively.
Beyond his batting prowess, Pant has also proven his mettle as a wicketkeeper. He took the catch of Ollie Pope on Day 3 of the Headingley Test, becoming the third Indian wicketkeeper-batter to take 150 catches in Test cricket, only behind MS Dhoni (258) and Syed Kirmani (151). He also surpassed MS Dhoni's record for the most dismissals by an Asian wicketkeeper-batter in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), with 110 dismissals compared to Dhoni's 109.
Pant's aggressive and unconventional approach to the game has made him a box-office superstar. His ability to change the course of a match in a few overs, even in Test cricket, sets him apart. However, this aggressive style can sometimes lead to unconventional moments. After breaking the world record, Pant flung his bat towards square leg, a gesture that left Jasprit Bumrah in splits. Mohammed Siraj, too, was seen laughing in disbelief at Pant's antics. Bumrah's reaction, in particular, went viral, with fans sharing the ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing) moment across social media platforms.
