Rishabh Pant's Edgbaston Blitz Makes History: Indian Star First Asian Keeper to 2,000 Test Runs in SENA

**Rishabh Pant** has once again demonstrated his exceptional talent on the international stage, achieving a significant milestone during the ongoing second Test against England at Edgbaston. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter has become the first Asian wicketkeeper to surpass 2,000 Test runs while playing in **SENA countries** (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). This accomplishment solidifies his reputation as a game-changing player in modern cricket.

Pant reached this landmark with a blistering knock of 65 runs off just 58 deliveries in the second innings. His aggressive innings included eight boundaries and three towering sixes, playing a crucial role in extending India's imposing lead. This performance followed a more subdued 25 in the first innings but further cemented his status as a player for the big occasion, particularly when facing challenging conditions overseas.

With this feat, Pant's cumulative score in 28 Tests played in SENA nations now stands at 2,023 runs. He maintains an impressive average of 41.28, highlighted by six centuries and six half-centuries, with a personal best of 159 not out.

In the current series against England, Pant has been a standout performer for India, currently holding the position of the team's second-highest run-scorer. Across four innings, he has amassed an impressive 342 runs, maintaining an outstanding average of 85.50 and a striking strike rate of 81.81. His contributions include two centuries and one half-century, with a top score of 134.

During his explosive innings at Edgbaston, Pant also broke a long-standing record. He now holds the distinction of hitting the most sixes by a visiting batter in Test matches played in England, having cleared the boundary 24 times. This surpasses the previous record held by Ben Stokes, who hit 21 sixes against South Africa.

His vital contributions were instrumental in India's remarkable batting performance, where they accumulated a total of 1,014 runs at Edgbaston. This marks their highest-ever aggregate in a Test match, surpassing the 916 runs scored against Australia at the SCG in 2004. This is only the sixth instance of a team amassing over 1,000 runs in a single Test match.