Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant continues to shine in his return to Test cricket. After a stellar century against Bangladesh, Pant delivered another crucial performance, striking an unbeaten fifty in the 1st Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. In doing so, he achieved a significant milestone, surpassing Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev on the list of most sixes hit by Indian players in Test cricket.

India's second-innings fightback led by Sarfaraz Khan and Pant

India, facing a daunting trail of 356 runs after New Zealand bowled them out for a meager 46 in the first innings, mounted a remarkable comeback in the second innings. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a strong start with a 72-run opening stand. Rohit scored a quickfire fifty off just 63 balls, while Jaiswal contributed a valuable 35.

Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan then stitched together a critical 136-run partnership for the third wicket, with Sarfaraz smashing his maiden Test century. Kohli fell on the last ball of Day 3, but Sarfaraz’s ton, combined with Pant’s unbeaten fifty, kept India in the game as they looked to set a challenging target for the visitors.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable performances in Test cricket on home soil have truly set him apart as a dominant force. In just 17 innings, Pant has amassed an impressive 873 runs, boasting a remarkable average of 62.35 and a striking strike rate of 87.82. His aggressive yet controlled style of play has earned him two centuries and seven fifties, further solidifying his role as one of India's most reliable and dynamic players in the longest format of the game. Pant's ability to deliver under pressure continues to make him a standout performer in Indian cricket.

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Pant surpasses Kapil Dev in six-hitting record

Known for his fearless and aggressive style of play, Rishabh Pant was just three sixes away from eclipsing Kapil Dev’s impressive tally of 61 sixes in Test cricket. Pant accomplished this feat during India's second innings, smashing left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel for two consecutive sixes in an over. Pant now ranks sixth on the list of Indian cricketers with the most sixes in Test cricket, with a total of 63 sixes in just 62 innings.

Here is the updated list of most sixes by Indian players in Test cricket:

1. Virender Sehwag – 90 sixes in 178 innings
2. Rohit Sharma – 88 sixes in 107 innings
3. MS Dhoni – 78 sixes in 144 innings
4. Sachin Tendulkar – 69 sixes in 329 innings
5. Ravindra Jadeja – 66 sixes in 108 innings
6. Rishabh Pant – 63 sixes in 62 innings
7. Kapil Dev – 61 sixes in 184 innings

Pant’s exceptional achievement in just 62 innings puts him among India’s top six-hitters in Test cricket, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dynamic wicketkeeper-batters in modern-day cricket. Pant's remarkable home record, coupled with his ability to play fearless cricket under pressure, makes him a vital asset for India in the longest format of the game.