Pant Eyes Historic Feat: Poised to Join Cricket's Elite Century Makers in England

Rishabh Pant stands on the verge of joining an exclusive club of visiting batsmen as India prepares for the second Test of the series against England at Edgbaston, commencing on July 2.

Riding high after his twin centuries at Headingley, the 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is just one century away from being included on a list of legends, including Don Bradman, Rahul Dravid, and Brian Lara.

Pant delivered a stunning performance in the first Test at Leeds, smashing 134 and 118 with a display of impressive strokes in both innings. Even though India suffered a five-wicket defeat after setting England a target of 371, Pant’s bold shot-making and resilience were a significant highlight.

He currently boasts 808 runs in 10 Tests in England, averaging 42.52, with four centuries. His highest score on English soil, a breathtaking 146 off only 111 balls, came at Edgbaston in 2022. During that innings, he rescued India from a precarious 98 for 5, helping them reach a first-innings total of 416. While India ultimately lost the match, Pant's innings remains a remarkable feat by an Indian wicketkeeper on foreign soil.

If Pant manages another century at Edgbaston, he will become only the seventh visiting batter to achieve centuries in three successive Tests in England. The elite list includes:

• Don Bradman
• Warren Bardsley
• Charles Macartney
• Brian Lara
• Rahul Dravid
• Daryl Mitchell

Dravid is currently the only Indian on this prestigious list, accomplishing the feat in 2002.

Pant already holds the record for the most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper and the most runs by an Asian wicketkeeper in SENA countries. He now has a golden opportunity to further cement his place in cricket history.