Rishabh Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make a splash in the upcoming 3rd Test against Australia, aiming for a series of remarkable records that could cement his place in cricketing history. Having played nine Tests against Australia, Pant has already amassed 711 runs, and his performance in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy could see him join an elite list of wicketkeeper-batters with significant milestones.
Rishabh Pant: A Player Who Defines the New Age of Indian Cricket
Rishabh Pant’s journey in international cricket has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. From his memorable, match-winning 89* at the Gabba in Brisbane in 2021, which helped India win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in dramatic fashion, to his remarkable comeback after surviving a horrific car accident in 2022, Pant has continuously defied the odds. His resilience has seen him recover from a lengthy 14-month rehabilitation period and return to the cricket field with a renewed vigor.
His return to cricket in the IPL 2024 was celebrated, and his inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad added to his growing legacy. With the IPL 2025 auction setting a new benchmark with a ₹27 crore paycheck, Pant’s rise has been a testament to his talent and determination.
Pant’s Historic Opportunity in Brisbane
The upcoming 3rd Test against Australia in Brisbane will be crucial not only for India’s qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final but also for Rishabh Pant as he chases several records. India’s hopes of advancing to their third consecutive WTC final hinge on winning the remaining Tests against Australia, and Pant is expected to play a pivotal role in this.
Rishabh Pant’s Milestones to Watch in Brisbane
Pant’s achievements could see him joining some of India’s finest wicketkeeper-batters in an exclusive club. With 711 runs against Australia already in the bag, Pant is just 39 runs shy of reaching 750, a landmark that would make him only the third Indian keeper-batter to do so. The two players ahead of him in this list are MS Dhoni (990 runs) and Syed Kirmani (756 runs). Reaching this milestone would solidify Pant’s reputation as one of the best wicketkeeper-batters in the history of Indian cricket.
Key Records Rishabh Pant is on the Verge of Breaking:
- 40 Dismissals Against Australia in Australia: Pant has already achieved 38 dismissals against Australia on Australian soil. With just two more dismissals, he will become the first Indian wicketkeeper to record 40 dismissals against Australia in Australia, joining an exclusive club that includes the likes of Wasim Bari (55 dismissals), Alan Knott (51 dismissals), Bob Taylor (44 dismissals), and Jeff Dujon (43 dismissals). This would mark another significant achievement for Pant’s career.
- 750 Runs Against Australia as a Wicketkeeper-Batter: As of now, Pant has scored 711 runs as a wicketkeeper-batter against Australia. A further 39 runs will see him surpass the 750-run mark, putting him in a prestigious group of wicketkeeper-batters to achieve such a feat. Not only would this milestone make him the third Indian to reach this landmark, but it will also make him the first wicketkeeper-batter to score 750 runs against Australia in Australia, a truly rare accomplishment.
- Establishing Himself as a Key Figure in Indian Cricket: In addition to the records, Pant’s consistency as a batter has made him one of the most reliable contributors to India’s middle order. His ability to shift the game in India’s favor under pressure, much like his famous Gabba knock, makes him a critical player in India’s plans against Australia.
The Context of Pant’s Achievements in 2024
Pant’s pursuit of these records is taking place in the backdrop of a high-stakes series. With both India and Australia locked at 1-1 after the first two Tests, the pressure is on India to win the remaining matches to secure a place in the WTC final. This sets the stage for a repeat of 2021, where Pant’s fearless batting in Brisbane played a pivotal role in India’s victory.
However, the significance of Pant’s role has grown even further. With his recent performances in the IPL and his return to Test cricket with a century, Pant’s presence in the middle order will be crucial. His form, combined with the records he is poised to break, will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement to the series.
Rishabh Pant: A Legacy in the Making
As the third Test against Australia looms, Rishabh Pant is not just playing for his team but also for a place in cricketing history. With every dismissal and every run, Pant inches closer to joining the ranks of India’s cricketing legends. His unique combination of wicketkeeping and batting prowess is a rarity, and breaking these records will mark the next step in what promises to be a legendary career.
With so much on the line, Rishabh Pant’s journey in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one that fans and cricket experts alike will be watching closely, eager to see if he can break through these historic barriers and help India claim another crucial victory against their arch-rivals, Australia.
