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Cricket fans were sent into a frenzy after Sanjay Manjrekar delivered a bold assessment that is bound to stir a debate. He believes Rishabh Pant has already surpassed MS Dhoni as India’s greatest wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket. Following Pant’s stunning century against England in Leeds on June 21, the former India batter praised Pant’s ability to deliver big knocks under challenging overseas conditions—something he feels Dhoni lacked consistently.
Manjrekar’s Take: Conditions Matter
Speaking on JioHotstar, Manjrekar emphasized that a batter's greatness should be judged by where they score their centuries. “He’s got hundreds in England, South Africa, and Australia,” he noted, pointing out that Pant’s adaptability and attacking mindset have made him a standout performer on foreign soil. This, Manjrekar believes, sets Pant apart from Dhoni, whose lone century outside India came in Pakistan.
The Numbers Tell the Tale
A statistical comparison backs Manjrekar’s bold claim. In 48 away Tests, Dhoni scored 2496 runs at an average of 32.84, managing just one century. In contrast, Pant, in only 30 matches, has amassed 1976 runs at an average of 39.52, with five centuries and six fifties to his name. The trajectory suggests Pant is not only closing in but may soon eclipse Dhoni’s legacy in the format.
India’s Best Test Keeper-Batter Yet?
Manjrekar didn’t hold back in his praise, even as Pant flirted with another nervous-nineties moment.
“By far, India’s greatest ever Test batter-keeper,” he declared. With seven dismissals in the 90s, Pant has shown both brilliance and heartbreak, yet continues to thrill fans with his fearless approach.
“He’s a breath of fresh air,” Manjrekar added, alluding to Pant’s unique ability to turn matches around single-handedly.
Respect from the Opponents’ Gallery
The 134-run masterclass from Pant in Leeds drew admiration not just from Indian fans but also from the English crowd.
“When he got out and raised his bat, there were a lot of English supporters who stood up and applauded that innings,” Manjrekar observed, praising England’s cricket-loving audience for recognizing excellence, regardless of national colors.
A New Leader in the Making
Pant’s heroics helped India post a formidable 471 in the first innings, giving the team a strong grip on the Test match. As vice-captain, his influence now extends beyond the bat, playing a pivotal role in aiding the Indian skipper in strategizing and leading the bowling charge.
