Is Rishabh Pant better than MS Dhoni in Test Cricket?

After making an incredible return to the Indian team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, based on his stellar performance in the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League as the leading run-scorer for Delhi Capitals, the star cricketer is all set to make his comeback in India’s white-jersey for the upcoming Bangladesh series. Rohit Sharma and the team will be playing two Test matches at home from 19th September to 1st October in Chennai and Kanpur. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the southpaw batter has proved his capability by performing well in India’s domestic season. In the match against India A, Pant smashed 61 runs off 47 balls after scoring just 7 runs in the first innings.

This performance is one of the reasons he has been named in the India squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh as the first-choice wicket-keeper batter, alongside Dhruv Jurel, who showcased his ability in the absence of Rishabh Pant during India’s home series against England. Rishabh Pant has become the talk of the town since making a near-impossible return after being out of the game for almost two years due to a horrific car accident in December, when he was traveling to his hometown, Roorkee. He suffered severe injuries during this deadly accident, with doctors even saying there was very little chance he would play again. But Pant never stopped believing in himself and played a crucial role in taking the Men in Blue to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

His belief mirrors that of his idol, MS Dhoni, who also persevered despite struggling to find a place in the Indian team, even after performing incredibly well in domestic tournaments. We know the wonders Dhoni later brought to Indian cricket, going on to become one of the most successful captains in the world. Due to several reasons, the Delhi-born batter has often been compared to former Indian Captain MS Dhoni, who shared similar characteristics to Pant, whether it’s motivating bowlers from behind the stumps or playing unorthodox shots on the field. Rishabh also shares a great bond with Dhoni and has been seen exchanging light-hearted banter and attending Dhoni’s family functions on several occasions.

However, if we compare Rishabh Pant to MS Dhoni in the Test format, Pant has been one step ahead of the legendary Indian captain in terms of runs and centuries. Since his Test debut in 2018, Pant has represented India in 33 Test matches, scoring 2,271 runs with five centuries to his name, despite being out of international cricket for two years. Meanwhile, Dhoni played 90 Tests, amassing 4,876 runs with six centuries.

If we compare these two Indian cricketers, Pant has the potential to surpass Dhoni’s Test records, as he is only 26 years old and has a lot of cricket left in him. While he might overtake Dhoni in terms of runs in Test cricket, replicating the glory Dhoni brought to Indian cricket over his 15-plus-year career will be a monumental challenge, having 3 ICC Trophies to his name.

Rishabh Pant will be seen playing for the Indian national Test team for the first time since his accident against Bangladesh on 19th September in Chennai.