Indian cricket witnessed a historic moment as Rishabh Pant powered past Virender Sehwag’s iconic tally to become India’s highest six-hitter in Test history.
The left-hander, known for rewriting rules with his audacious strokeplay, added another golden chapter to his remarkable Test career.
Pant entered the innings level with Sehwag on 90 sixes. It took him just one striking blow to rewrite the record books.
Stepping out with his trademark confidence, Pant lofted Keshav Maharaj over mid-off for a soaring six — the kind only he can execute.
The next ball brought him a calm single, confirming his place at the top of India’s Test six-hitting charts with 91 sixes.
India’s Top Six Hitters in Test Cricket
- Rishabh Pant – 91*
- Virender Sehwag – 90
- Rohit Sharma – 88
- Ravindra Jadeja – 80
- MS Dhoni – 78
*Record updated as per the match situation described.
Pant’s record-breaking strike came at a crucial stage, giving India an early boost in their batting response. By the end of 38 overs, India had moved to 105/2, progressing steadily after having bowled out South Africa on the opening day.
Bumrah’s Brilliance Sets Up India’s Dominance
While Pant stole the headlines with his milestone, Day 1 belonged to Jasprit Bumrah, who delivered yet another unforgettable spell in red-ball cricket.
Bumrah dismantled South Africa with figures of 5 for 27, marking his 16th five-wicket haul in Tests and reaffirming his reputation as one of the world’s most lethal pacers.
South Africa, missing their pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada due to a rib injury, failed to build sustainable partnerships. After a positive start from Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, who added 57 for the first wicket, their innings collapsed rapidly.
Highlights from South Africa’s Batting Collapse
- Strong opening partnership ends abruptly after tea
- Bumrah removes both openers in quick succession
- Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj pick two wickets each
- South Africa bowled out for 159 in 55 overs
India walked off the field with complete control of the contest.
Steady Start for India Despite Early Wicket
India’s chase began with intent, but Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal for 12 by Marco Jansen gave South Africa a brief window of hope.
However, KL Rahul and Washington Sundar held their nerve against a fading light and disciplined bowling, guiding India to safety at stumps and keeping them in a commanding position.
Pant’s Rising Legacy—A Record with Deeper Meaning
Breaking a record held by Virender Sehwag — one of India’s most destructive Test openers — is no ordinary achievement. For Pant, it is symbolic of how dramatically he has reshaped India’s approach to Test batting.
From the Gabba heroics to countless counterattacks in the toughest situations, Pant has crafted a niche unlike any other Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. With this milestone, he cements his place among modern Test cricket’s most feared stroke-makers.
As the match continues and the series unfolds, all eyes will be on the left-hander to see how many more records he can topple.