Rishabh Pant Becomes India’s Highest Run-Scorer in World Test Championship History
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has risen to the top of India’s World Test Championship (WTC) run-scoring leaderboard after compiling a half-century on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.
What Happened
During the second Test match on August 24, 2026, Rishabh Pant struck an innings of 63 runs to push his total World Test Championship aggregate to 2,948 runs across 42 matches. His dismissal came on the opening delivery of the afternoon session, when he was caught off the bowling of Keshara Nuwantha.
The knock allowed Pant to move past teammate Shubman Gill, who previously held the top spot and currently sits on 2,917 runs from 42 matches. Following Pant’s dismissal, India advanced their first innings score to 475 for 8 before rain halted proceedings in the second session. Dhruv Jurel remained unbeaten on 95 runs, five runs short of his maiden Test century, alongside Mohammed Siraj.
Key Highlights
- Top WTC Position: Pant now leads all Indian batters in WTC history with 2,948 runs in 42 Tests, holding a 31-run lead over Shubman Gill (2,917 runs in 42 Tests).
- Top Indian WTC Run-Scorers: Rohit Sharma ranks third with 2,716 runs in 40 Tests, Ravindra Jadeja holds fourth with 2,675 runs in 50 Tests, Virat Kohli sits fifth with 2,617 runs in 46 Tests, and Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 2,588 runs in 30 Tests.
- Wicketkeeping Landmark: Pant also eclipsed MS Dhoni’s record for the most runs scored by an Indian wicketkeeper in away and neutral Tests. Pant crossed the 2,500-run mark in these conditions at a batting average close to 42, surpassing Dhoni’s career tally of 2,496 runs at an average of 32.84.
- Match Situation: India reached 475 for 8 on Day 2 against Sri Lanka before weather conditions intervened.
Why This Matters
Pant’s climb to the top of India’s WTC run aggregate marks a notable shift in the national standings, edging ahead of top-order contributors across multiple tournament cycles. Furthermore, moving past MS Dhoni’s overseas benchmark highlights Pant’s sustained scoring ability outside home conditions, underscored by a batting average near 42 compared to Dhoni’s 32.84 in away and neutral fixtures.
What to Watch Next
Play was halted by rain in the second session of Day 2 with India at 475 for 8. When the weather clears and action resumes, Dhruv Jurel will look to complete his maiden Test century from his overnight position of 95 not out, partnered by Mohammed Siraj.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runs has Rishabh Pant scored in the World Test Championship?
Pant has accumulated 2,948 runs across 42 Test matches in the World Test Championship.
Who previously held the record for the most WTC runs for India?
Shubman Gill previously held the top spot with 2,917 runs across 42 Tests before Pant surpassed him by 31 runs.
Which other milestone did Pant achieve during the Colombo Test?
Pant overtook MS Dhoni to become the Indian wicketkeeper with the most runs in away and neutral Tests, moving past Dhoni’s mark of 2,496 runs to cross the 2,500-run threshold.
Source: CricTracker