Rishabh Pant: The IND vs SL 1st Test produced another historic moment as Rishabh Pant added his name to the record books with a landmark six. Pant became the 1st Indian batsman to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket, he achieved this feat during the second session on Day 4 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium when he cleared the boundary off Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Kumara. Pant’s milestone made him the first Indian batsman to achieve the feat, surpassing the previous Indian record jointly held by Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma. Pant’s achievement was even more impressive considering that he reached the landmark in his 51st Test match to become the quickest batter in the format’s history to hit 100 sixes. His latest record once again demonstrated the aggressive batting style that has made him one of the most influential wicketkeeper-batters in modern Test cricket.
Rishabh Pant stepped out and sent that one straight into the Galle skyline. 🚀
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Pant Breaks Massive Test Record
Pant became only the fourth batter in Test history to hit 100 sixes, joining an elite group featuring England’s Ben Stokes, New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum and Australia’s Adam Gilchrist.
Stokes leads the all-time list with 138 sixes, while McCullum finished with 107. Gilchrist, one of the most destructive wicketkeeper-batters in cricket history, also ended his Test career with 100 sixes.
However, Pant has reached the landmark much quicker than his predecessors. Stokes needed 82 Tests to bring up his 100th six, whereas Pant achieved the feat in just 51 matches.
The numbers also underline Pant’s extraordinary six-hitting ability. He has hit a six once every 49.2 balls in Test cricket, comfortably the best rate among the four batters to reach the 100-six mark.
Most Sixes in Test Cricket (Balls Per Six)
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138 – Ben Stokes (90.05 balls per six)
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107 – Brendon McCullum (93.39 balls per six)
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100* – Rishabh Pant (49.2 balls per six)
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100 – Adam Gilchrist (67.92 balls per six)
Pant’s strike-for-six frequency is particularly remarkable considering the traditionally demanding nature of Test cricket. His willingness to attack bowlers has been a defining feature of his international career.
Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma Left Behind
Pant’s achievement is equally significant for Indian cricket. Before the start of the IND vs SL 1st Test, he had 97 sixes to his name. He moved to 98 sixes during India’s first innings, equalling Chris Gayle’s tally, before completing the landmark in the second innings.
Among Indian batters, Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma are now joint-second with 91 sixes each, leaving Pant at the top of the list.
The record also adds another major achievement to Pant’s Test career. His attacking approach has frequently allowed him to change the momentum of matches, while his ability to clear the boundary against both pace and spin has made him a constant threat.
With his 100th six, Pant has not only become the first Indian to reach the milestone but has also established himself as the fastest player to do so in Test history. His record during the IND vs SL 1st Test further strengthens his reputation as one of the most explosive batters to have played the longest format.
