Rishabh Pant completes 5,500 runs in First-Class cricket: Key stats
What's the story
Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has added a new feather in his illustrious cap in the longest format of the game. The southpaw has gone past 5,500 runs in First-Class cricket. He reached the milestone with a fifty in the third innings of the second unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bengaluru. Pant entered the game, requiring 28 runs to attain the landmark.
Knocks
Pant retired hurt for 17
Leading India A in the ongoing game, Pant made a fiery 20-ball 24 in the first innings as India made 255/10 batting first. The Proteas team finished at 221/10 in response. Meanwhile, Pant got to the landmark with his fourth run in the third innings. However, he was retired hurt while batting at 17, giving Team India a major scare.
Knock
A fiery fify from Pant
Fortunately for the hosts, Pant returned to bat with the scorecard reading 300/6, and played a solid knock. He and centurion Dhruv Jurel (127*) added 82 runs in just 54 balls before the skipper was dismissed for 65 off 54 balls. He smashed five fours and four sixes during his stay. As India A finished with 382/7d, SA-A need 417 runs to win.
Knocks
Performances in ongoing series
The ongoing series marked Pant's return to competitive cricket after a three-month lay-off due to a toe fracture he suffered earlier this year during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England. He made 17 in his first outing upon return before smashing a match-winning 113-ball 90 in the fourth innings of the first unofficial Test. The southpaw clocked another potential match-winning fifty in the second game.
Stats
An average of 46-plus in FC cricket
Playing his 75th First-Class game as per ESPNcricinfo, Pant has raced to 5,561 runs at a sensational average of 46-plus. It must be noted that Pant's strike rate is over 80 as he has tallied as many as 182 sixes in the format. His tally includes 42 scores of 50 or more, including 13 tons. Pant's best FC score is a stunning 308.
Test career
Nearly 3,500 runs in Tests
3,427 of his runs have come in Test cricket for India at 44.50. His tally of eight Test tons is the most for an Indian keeper-batter, as he also boasts 18 fifties. Pant is tied with Virender Sehwag in terms of the most Test sixes for India (90). He is among just the two designated wicket-keepers with twin centuries in a Test match.