Stats: Rishabh Pant surpasses Virender Sehwag to become India’s highest six-hitter in Tests

Rishabh Pant hitting a six during a Day 2’s play against South Africa (Source: JioHotstar)

Indian Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant has become the highest six-hitter for India in red-ball cricket, surpassing legendary opener Virender Sehwag. Pant achieved the milestone in just his 48th Test, which is in progress at Eden Gardens against South Africa.

Pant walked in to bat after captain Shubman Gill was retired hurt due to neck cramps on the second morning. He overtook Sehwag by smashing his 91st Test six on the fifth ball of his innings, immediately taking the attack to South African spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. His cameo, however, was short-lived, as he was dismissed for 27 off 24 balls, including two fours and two sixes.

Most sixes for India in Tests

Pant returned to international cricket after a lengthy injury layoff, suffered during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy where he fractured his foot. Following months of rehabilitation, he made his comeback in the two-match unofficial Test series against South Africa A, representing India A. He impressed on return, scoring two half-centuries despite taking several body blows throughout the series.

Now back in the Indian Test setup, Pant resumed batting with his trademark flair, looking to dominate the visitors in Kolkata. However, his innings was short-lived as fell for 24-ball 27 after skying an edge to wicketkeeper Corbin Bosch off Kyle Verreynne’s bowling.

Meanwhile, if he manages to hit at least eight more sixes in the ongoing series against South Africa, he will become the first Indian, and only the fourth player in the history of Test cricket, to reach the milestone of 100 sixes in the format.

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