Key Points
- Rishabh Pant surpasses Virender Sehwag’s record of 90 Test sixes for India
- Achieved milestone on Day 2 of 1st Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens
- Now has 92 sixes in just 48 Test matches for India
- Scored 27 runs off 24 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes before dismissal
- Needs only 8 more sixes to become 4th player worldwide to reach 100 Test sixes
- Ben Stokes holds global record with 136 sixes in 115 Test matches
Kolkata: The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman achieved this remarkable milestone during the morning session of Day 2 of the first Test between India and South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Pant entered the match tied with Virender Sehwag at 90 sixes and needed just one maximum to rewrite the record books. The historic moment arrived when Pant charged down the track and launched left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for a towering six over mid-off, sending the Eden Gardens crowd into rapturous celebration.
This achievement marked a triumphant return to Test cricket for Pant, who had been sidelined due to injury. His aggressive approach and fearless batting style were on full display as he raced to 27 runs off just 24 deliveries before his dismissal. The innings included two boundaries and two sixes, with both maximums contributing to his record-breaking tally of 92 sixes in Test cricket, now two ahead of Sehwag’s previous benchmark.
Breaking Sehwag’s 12-Year-Old Record
Virender Sehwag, one of India’s most destructive opening batsmen, had held the record for most Test sixes by an Indian for over 12 years. The former opener accumulated 90 sixes across his illustrious 103-Test career spanning from 2001 to 2013, during which he scored 8,503 runs at an impressive average. Sehwag revolutionized opening batting in Test cricket with his aggressive stroke play and ability to dominate bowling attacks from the first ball.
Pant’s achievement becomes even more remarkable when considering he has reached this milestone in just 48 Test matches, less than half the number of Tests Sehwag played. Having made his Test debut in 2018, Pant has accumulated 3,454 runs with an aggressive strike rate that reflects his attacking philosophy. His ability to hit sixes consistently across different conditions and against varied bowling attacks demonstrates his exceptional talent and fearless approach to Test cricket.
India’s Leading Six-Hitters in Test Cricket
| Player | Matches | Runs | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | 48 | 3,454 | 92 |
| Virender Sehwag | 103 | 8,503 | 90 |
| Rohit Sharma | 67 | 4,301 | 88 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 88 | 4,000 | 80 |
| Mahendra Singh Dhoni | 90 | 4,876 | 78 |
The table above illustrates India’s most prolific six-hitters in Test cricket history. Rohit Sharma sits in third position with 88 sixes, just two behind Sehwag and four behind Pant. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has struck 80 maximums in his ongoing Test career, while legendary former captain MS Dhoni rounds out the top five with 78 sixes from his 90 Test matches.
Chase for Century of Sixes
Rishabh Pant now stands tantalizingly close to achieving another unprecedented milestone for Indian cricket. With 92 sixes already to his name, the left-handed batsman requires just eight more maximums to become the first Indian and only the fourth cricketer globally to reach the century mark of sixes in Test cricket. Given his aggressive batting style and the ongoing Test series against South Africa, this historic achievement could come sooner rather than later.
The exclusive club of cricketers with 100 or more Test sixes currently comprises only three members worldwide. England captain Ben Stokes leads the all-time list with 136 sixes from 115 Test matches, showcasing his extraordinary all-round abilities and aggressive batting approach. Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who revolutionized Test cricket with his attacking philosophy, occupies second position on the global list. Legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist, who redefined the role of wicketkeeper-batsmen with his explosive batting, completes the top three.
Global Six-Hitting Records
England captain and legendary all-rounder Ben Stokes holds the overall record for most sixes in Test cricket history. The New Zealand-born cricketer, who will lead England in the highly anticipated 2025-26 Ashes series beginning in Perth on November 21, has accumulated 136 sixes across 115 Test matches played throughout his career. Stokes’ ability to change the course of matches with his aggressive batting and his penchant for hitting sixes in crucial situations has made him one of the most valuable Test cricketers of the modern era.
Following Stokes on the global six-hitting leaderboard is Brendon McCullum, whose revolutionary approach to Test cricket as New Zealand captain transformed the way teams approached the longest format. McCullum’s attacking mindset and willingness to take calculated risks inspired a generation of cricketers to play more aggressively in Test matches. Adam Gilchrist, the Australian wicketkeeper-batsman who dominated world cricket in the late 1990s and early 2000s, completes the top three with his explosive batting that often demoralized opposition bowling attacks.
Pant’s Aggressive Legacy
Rishabh Pant’s record-breaking achievement represents more than just statistics; it symbolizes the evolution of Test cricket batting in the 21st century. His fearless approach to batting in the longest format has redefined expectations for wicketkeeper-batsmen and demonstrated that aggressive cricket can be successful even in Test matches. At just 27 years old and with potentially many more years of international cricket ahead, Pant is positioned to extend this record significantly beyond the reach of future generations.
The left-hander’s ability to maintain an aggressive strike rate while contributing meaningfully to India’s Test success across all conditions has made him indispensable to the national team. His match-winning performances in Australia, England, and other challenging overseas conditions have proven that his aggressive style translates to success at the highest level. As vice-captain of the Indian Test team, Pant’s leadership will likely influence the next generation of Indian cricketers to embrace attacking cricket while maintaining the discipline required for Test success.
Impact on Indian Cricket
This historic achievement arrives at a significant moment in Indian cricket, with Pant establishing himself as a senior player and leader within the Test team. His journey from a young, talented wicketkeeper-batsman to record-breaking match-winner reflects years of dedication, skill development, and unwavering self-belief. The Eden Gardens crowd’s enthusiastic celebration of his milestone underscores the special connection Pant has developed with Indian cricket fans, who appreciate his entertaining batting style and consistent performances.
The record also highlights India’s tradition of producing aggressive Test batsmen who have changed the game’s dynamics. From Kapil Dev’s all-round heroics to Sehwag’s revolutionary opening approach, Dhoni’s finishing abilities, and now Pant’s explosive wicketkeeping batting, India has consistently produced players willing to challenge conventional Test cricket wisdom. Pant’s achievement ensures this legacy continues into a new era of Indian cricket.
Looking Ahead
With the Test series against South Africa ongoing and a packed international schedule ahead, Rishabh Pant has numerous opportunities to extend his record and potentially reach the 100-six milestone before the year ends. His current form and aggressive intent suggest that the eight sixes required for this historic achievement could come rapidly, possibly within the current series itself. As he continues to establish new benchmarks, Pant is writing a unique chapter in Test cricket history that celebrates aggressive, entertaining, yet effective batting in the sport’s most traditional format.
