IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant better than MS Dhoni? Former India cricketer says YES after Headingley heroics | Cricket News – Times of India

Rishabh Pant (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar hailed Rishabh Pant because the nation’s “greatest wicketkeeper-batter ever” following his gorgeous century in opposition to England, calling him a “breath of fresh air.” Pant continued his good type in Test cricket by registering his seventh Test century, breaking a number of information throughout his innings within the first Test in opposition to England at Leeds.Speaking on Match Centre Live after the primary session, JioStar professional Manjrekar stated, “By far, India’s greatest ever Test batter-keeper. I was worried when he was in the 90s that he might end up getting his 8th 90 of his career. It is just unbelievable that he has so many 90s! But he’s a breath of fresh air.”

“When he got out and raised his bat, there were a lot of English supporters who stood up and applauded that innings. That’s what we love about England — these guys come to watch good cricket. They want their team to win, but when they see excellence from the opposition, you can see true appreciation for it,” he added.On Saturday, Pant surpassed MS Dhoni to develop into the Indian wicketkeeper with probably the most Test centuries. His knock of 134 off 178 balls, laced with 12 fours and 6 sixes at a strike charge above 75, got here in testing abroad circumstances — a territory the place Pant continues to shine.This was his fifth Test century in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) international locations — probably the most by any Asian batter. Three of these have are available England, with the remaining two in Australia and South Africa.Pant additionally equalled Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (seven centuries) for probably the most Test a whole lot by a delegated wicketkeeper from Asia.Earlier on Friday, Pant crossed the three,000-run mark in Test cricket, turning into solely the second Indian wicketkeeper after Dhoni to take action. He additionally overtook Dhoni in phrases of runs scored by an Asian keeper-batter in SENA international locations.In 44 Tests, Pant has scored 3,082 runs at a median of 43.40, with seven centuries and 15 fifties in 76 innings — all at a strike charge of 73.69.In the match, after England selected to bowl first, centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), captain Shubman Gill (147), and Pant (134) helped India submit a complete of 471. Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/86) have been the standout bowlers for the hosts.