Rishabh Pant surpasses MS Dhoni, becomes first India wicketkeeper to score 2,500 away Test runs

Times of India Published Aug 24, 2026 Reviewed Aug 24, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

Rishabh Pant crossed 2,500 runs in away or neutral Tests, surpassing MS Dhoni’s 2,496 runs.

2500 runs · Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant’s average in away or neutral Tests is almost 42 runs per innings, significantly higher than MS Dhoni’s 32.84.

more than 42 runs per innings · Rishabh Pant

Farokh Engineer is third on the list of India wicketkeepers in away or neutral Tests with 1,209 runs.

1209 runs · Farokh Engineer

Syed Kirmani is fourth on the list of India wicketkeepers in away or neutral Tests with 1,109 runs.

1109 runs · Syed Kirmani

Kiran More is fifth on the list of India wicketkeepers in away or neutral Tests with 901 runs.

901 runs · Kiran More

NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant has moved past legendary MS Dhoni to become India’s highest run-scorer as a designated wicketkeeper in away or neutral Tests, adding another major milestone to his growing record book.Pant crossed 2,500 runs in the category during India’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Monday, edging past Dhoni’s previous mark of 2,496.

Pant has achieved the tally at an average of almost 42, significantly better than Dhoni’s 32.84.Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer is a distant third on the list with 1,209 runs at 32.67, followed by Syed Kirmani with 1,109 at 21.74 and Kiran More with 901 at 29.06.Pant battles through injury scareThe milestone came a day after Pant had endured an injury scare at the SSC ground.

The India wicketkeeper-batter was struck on his left arm by a short delivery from Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru Kumara during the third session on Sunday.Pant attempted to pull the delivery behind square but missed it, taking the full impact on his arm. He was visibly in discomfort and was attended to by the Indian team physiotherapist, who initially applied an ice pack before Pant’s arm was strapped.After making just three runs from 15 balls, Pant walked off the field alongside the physiotherapist in the 58th over.

His early departure added to India’s concerns on a day when they were already being tested by Sri Lanka’s bowlers.Most runs as wicketkeeper in away/neutral Tests (India)2501* - Rishabh Pant (Avg: 41.68)2496 - MS Dhoni (Avg: 32.84)1209 - Farokh Engineer (Avg: 32.67)1109 - Syed Kirmani (Avg: 21.74)901 - Kiran More (Avg: 29.06)Pant returns to help India rebuildDespite the blow, Pant returned to the middle on Monday after Sri Lanka claimed India’s sixth wicket through Asitha Fernando, who dismissed debutant Saransh Jain for six.Pant joined Dhruv Jurel with India needing stability and immediately faced another stern examination from the Sri Lankan pacers.

Fernando and the other quicks repeatedly tested him with short-pitched deliveries, with Pant taking a couple of blows to the shoulder before the drinks break.The 28-year-old nevertheless showed considerable resilience and continued batting despite the discomfort. Jurel provided valuable support at the other end as the pair put together a crucial partnership to steady India’s innings.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.

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