Pant Surpasses Dhoni in SENA, Powers India’s Dominance on Day 1 at Headingley
Rishabh Pant added another feather to his cap on Friday as he became the most successful Asian wicketkeeper-batter in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries, surpassing the legendary MS Dhoni. The milestone came during a crucial unbeaten knock of 65* on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Headingley, setting the tone for India’s 2025–27 World Test Championship campaign in emphatic fashion.
Pant’s latest achievement saw him rise to 1,746 runs in SENA nations from 27 matches at an average of 38.80 — overtaking Dhoni’s 1,731 runs in 32 matches. With four centuries and six fifties in some of the toughest conditions for batters, the 26-year-old has firmly established himself as India’s most impactful Test wicketkeeper overseas.
The innings also saw Pant cross 3,000 runs in Test cricket overall, making him only the second Indian wicketkeeper to achieve the feat after Dhoni. He reached the landmark in just 76 innings, the second-fastest ever by a designated wicketkeeper in Tests, behind only Australia’s Adam Gilchrist, who got there in 63 innings.
Pant’s 102-ball effort at Leeds was a mix of grit and flair, laced with six boundaries and two towering sixes. More importantly, it came during an unbroken 138-run stand with new captain Shubman Gill, who himself made a stunning impression with an unbeaten 127* on his debut as Test skipper.
India closed the day at a commanding 359 for 3 — their highest-ever opening day total in a Test match in England — seizing control in the opening game of the five-match series.
Jaiswal, Gill Lay the Foundation
Earlier in the day, Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone with a fluent century, scoring 101 off 159 deliveries with 16 fours and a six. The young left-hander combined class with calculated aggression, attacking anything loose while showing discipline against the moving ball.
KL Rahul looked solid in his return to the top order, making a composed 48 before falling just before the lunch break. Debutant Sai Sudharsan, playing his first Test, was dismissed for a duck on the final ball of the session by Ben Stokes, leaving India at 91 for 2.
However, the post-lunch period was all India.
Jaiswal and Gill added vital runs in the second session, with Jaiswal notching up his fifth Test ton. After Jaiswal’s dismissal, Pant took over, showing a more measured version of his typical counterattacking style. While he still played his natural game, Pant’s shot selection and control highlighted the maturity he’s developed since his early days.
Statement of Intent
England’s decision to bowl first under overcast skies backfired as the Indian batters applied themselves brilliantly, rarely allowing the bowlers any sustained momentum. With experienced pacers like Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes struggling for breakthroughs, India’s batters capitalized on the flat pitch and erratic lengths.
By stumps, India had already sent a strong message — their transition era under Shubman Gill is not about rebuilding, but reloading. With Pant etching his name in history books and the top order delivering big, India now look well poised to seize early advantage in the series.
IT.
