Rishabh Pant made a triumphant return to test cricket last week after more than 650 days, scoring a match-winning century against Bangladesh in the first test of the two-match series in Chennai. His crucial 109-run knock helped India secure a commanding 280-run victory on Sunday, giving them the lead of 1-0 in the series. This century marked a significant comeback for the 26 years old cricketer who had been out of action since December 2022 due to a serious car accident.
While Rishabh Pant’s return was emotionally charged, much of the conversation online and among cricket experts shifted to the record books. Rishabh Pant equaled MS Dhoni’s record for the most test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper, with six centuries. Remarkably, Pant achieved this milestone in nearly half the number of innings Dhoni took to reach the same feat.
Former Indian cricketers Aakash Chopra and Sanjay Manjrekar have already declared Rishabh Pant as India’s greatest wicketkeeper-batter in the test format, surpassing Dhoni’s legacy. However, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, speaking to Cricbuzz, disagreed with this assessment, calling the comparison “unacceptable.” He advised fans and pundits to allow Pant more time, considering he has played just 34 test matches, before labeling him as “India’s greatest ever wicketkeeper”.
While speaking on a show, Dinesh Karthik said, “It’s very unacceptable to say that he’s played 34 tests and he’s already India’s greatest wicketkeeper batter. Let’s take time, let’s not jump to conclusions but definitely he’s on course for sure and he will finish as India’s greatest ever wicketkeeper.”
He further added, “Don’t discount Dhoni’s credentials as a wicketkeeper as well. He not only kept brilliantly, batted and scored runs when it mattered very very well for India but also he led India to a World Test Championship mace which is becoming number 1. So you got to give all that weightage as well when you speak about a player all round.”
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Rishabh Pant has faced comparisons with Dhoni throughout his career due to their similar aggressive batting style and the pivotal role they play in the Indian team. Nevertheless, speaking to the broadcasters after the match, Pant emphasized that he strives to forge his own path. He further stated that he wants to “be himself” rather than chasing the expectations of being the next Dhoni.
We also feel that Rishabh Pant should be given more time before being touted as India’s greatest ever wicketkeeper.
