Guwahati: India’s vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is set to break Virender Sehwag’s long-standing record of most sixes by an Indian in Test cricket as he returns to international cricket in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens starting November 14. Pant is just one six away from surpassing the legendary Sehwag’s tally of 90 sixes, a milestone he has matched in just 47 Tests compared to Sehwag's 103 matches.

Pant’s return to the Test arena comes after recovering from a fractured foot injury sustained during India’s fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in July. The injury forced him to miss the Asia Cup and India’s subsequent home series against the West Indies. He marked his comeback last week by scoring a crucial 90 for India A in a victory against South Africa A in Bengaluru.

In a strategic move, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that, alongside Pant, promising young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel will feature as a specialist batsman in the playing XI. This double wicketkeeper strategy aims to strengthen the batting line-up, with Pant resuming wicketkeeping duties and vice-captaincy. The pitch at Eden Gardens is expected to offer a balanced contest for pacers and spinners, promising an exciting match for fans.

Pant’s quest for the record and his return from injury are among the key storylines as India gears up for the South Africa series, with expectations high on the 28-year-old to leave a historic mark in Indian Test cricket.

Most Sixes by Indian Players in Test Cricket:

  • Virender Sehwag – 90 sixes
  • Rishabh Pant – 90 sixes (needs 1 to surpass)
  • Rohit Sharma – 88 sixes
  • Ravindra Jadeja – 80 sixes
  • MS Dhoni – 78 sixes

This record-breaking moment promises to add another thrilling chapter to Pant’s burgeoning career as India is set to battle South Africa in a highly anticipated Test series.