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In a defining moment for Indian cricket, Rishabh Pant etched his name deeper into the history books by smashing his seventh Test century during the India vs England Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. This landmark innings not only turned the tide for India in the ongoing Test but also saw Rishabh Pant break MS Dhoni’s record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper.
Pant’s counter-attacking hundred on Day 3 of the match was a masterclass in resilience and aggression. Coming in at a time when India was tottering at 121 for 5, the 26-year-old southpaw played one of the finest innings seen by an Indian wicketkeeper on English soil. His fluent century off 126 deliveries was laced with class, confidence, and a clear intent to dominate the opposition attack.
“It’s always a special feeling when you contribute to the team, especially at Lord’s. I just focused on playing my natural game and backing my instincts,” Pant said during the post-day press conference.
Rishabh Pant Surpasses MS Dhoni’s Longstanding Record
With this remarkable century, Rishabh Pant went past MS Dhoni’s tally of 6 Test hundreds, establishing himself as India’s most successful wicketkeeper-batsman in Test cricket when it comes to centuries. MS Dhoni, who had scored six Test tons in his illustrious career, held the record for over a decade.
This new milestone by Pant has not just caught the attention of Indian fans but also cricket analysts across the globe, many of whom now regard him as the torchbearer of a new breed of aggressive wicketkeeper-batsmen.
Source: Game Changers
Rishabh Pant’s Test Centuries – A Quick Recap
Here’s a table showcasing Rishabh Pant’s 7 Test centuries so far:
| Sr. no. | Opponent | Venue | Year | Runs Scored |
| 1 | England | The Oval | 2018 | 114 |
| 2 | Australia | Sydney | 2019 | 159 |
| 3 | England | Ahmedabad | 2021 | 101 |
| 4 | South Africa | Cape Town | 2022 | 100 |
| 5 | England | Birmingham | 2022 | 146 |
| 6 | Bangladesh | Mirpur | 2022 | 102 |
| 7 | England | Lord’s | 2025 | 117 |
Each century has come in a high-pressure match situation, often when India was in dire need of recovery — a trait that underlines Pant’s temperament and ability to perform under pressure.
Lord’s Roars for Pant as India Fights Back
As Pant reached his hundred with a signature punch through cover, the crowd at Lord’s stood up in applause. Even the English fans couldn’t help but admire the sheer flair and audacity with which the left-hander rebuilt the Indian innings.
The partnership between Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, who also contributed significantly with the bat, took India from a vulnerable position to a respectable total of 310/6 by stumps. The duo added over 150 runs together, frustrating the English pace attack that included James Anderson and Ollie Robinson.
The Lord’s pitch offered decent assistance for seamers, but Pant’s footwork, shot selection, and ability to unsettle the bowlers tilted the balance in India’s favor.
Global Praise for Pant’s Maturity and Evolution
Pant’s latest knock has reignited the debate over who is the best Test wicketkeeper-batsman in world cricket today. Many believe Pant’s maturity and consistency in recent years set him apart from his contemporaries.
Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted:
“Rishabh Pant is a game-changer in every sense. He brings unpredictability, flair, and results. That Lord’s knock will be remembered for a long time.”
How many other players can have you on the edge of your seat the way Rishabh does?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 21, 2025
Source: Harsha Bhogle
You can explore more such expert opinions in this ESPNcricinfo analysis on Rishabh Pant’s evolving Test career.
Breaking Down Rishabh Pant’s Technique Against England
What has stood out in Rishabh Pant’s recent performances is his improved shot selection and mental game. Against England’s world-class pace attack, he showed great judgment outside off stump and left balls judiciously — a skill he was often criticized for lacking early in his career.
He mixed caution with aggression, smacking boundaries against the spinners but defending with composure against the swinging new ball.
“He’s no longer just a dasher. He’s thinking, he’s adapting, and above all, he’s delivering,” said former England captain Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports.
What It Means for India in the Current Series
India’s strong first-innings total, built on Pant’s brilliance, has put the visiting side in a commanding position in the ongoing Test series against England. With the series currently tied at 1-1, this innings could prove to be a turning point.
Team India will now look to press on with their lead and aim for a win that would give them a 2-1 advantage in the five-match series.
Rishabh Pant’s Growing Legacy in Test Cricket
From his debut in 2018 to now, Rishabh Pant has grown into one of the mainstays of India’s Test lineup. His ability to perform in challenging overseas conditions — be it Gabba, Cape Town, or Lord’s — highlights his adaptability and hunger for big performances.
He now averages over 45 in Test cricket, and his strike rate remains among the highest for wicketkeeper-batsmen with over 2000 Test runs. These numbers reflect not just consistency but a game-changing impact — something that few in the world can match.
What’s Next for Team India and Rishabh Pant?
With two Tests still to go in the series, Rishabh Pant’s form will be central to India’s chances of clinching a rare overseas Test series victory. His record in England has improved significantly, and the dressing room will be relying on him to continue this run.
If India do go on to win this series, Rishabh Pant’s century at Lord’s could be remembered as the defining moment.
Final Word
Rishabh Pant’s latest century is more than just a personal milestone — it’s a symbol of the new era of Indian cricket, one where wicketkeepers don’t just contribute — they lead from the front. With 7 Test centuries, a growing fan base, and a knack for performing under pressure, Pant has all the makings of a modern great.
As the battle between India and England intensifies, one thing is certain: Rishabh Pant is no longer the future of Indian Test cricket — he is its present.
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