In a moment that blended legacy with audacity, Rishabh Pant has officially broken Virender Sehwag’s long-standing record to become the Indian player with the most sixes in Test cricket history. The historic milestone came during India’s Test against South Africa—a match already defined by Jasprit Bumrah’s devastating bowling spell that skittled the hosts for a paltry total .
But it was Pant’s explosive counterattack that shifted the narrative. With one mighty swing, he cleared the boundary to register his 143rd Test six, surpassing Sehwag’s 142. In doing so, he didn’t just rewrite a stat sheet—he reaffirmed his role as modern Test cricket’s most thrilling disruptor.
Table of Contents
- Pant Breaks Sehwag’s Record: The Historic Moment
- Why This Record Matters in Test Cricket
- Pant vs Sehwag: Two Eras of Aggression
- Impact on India vs South Africa Match
- What’s Next for Pant’s Legacy?
- Summary
- Sources
Pant Breaks Sehwag’s Record: The Historic Moment
On a pitch offering early seam movement, South Africa was bundled out for just 96 runs—thanks largely to Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery 5-wicket haul. But instead of playing safe in the chase, India’s new batting fulcrum, Rishabh Pant, opted for controlled aggression.
On the second day, facing Kagiso Rabada, Pant launched a towering six over long-on—his 143rd in Test cricket. The crowd erupted. Teammates applauded. And just like that, a 17-year-old record held by the legendary Virender Sehwag was consigned to history .
What makes this feat even more remarkable? Pant achieved it in just 54 Tests
Six-hitting in Test cricket isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a tactical weapon. In an era where scoring rates dictate session momentum, players like Pant can single-handedly dismantle bowling attacks and flip matches within an hour. His ability to score quickly under pressure has been instrumental in India’s overseas wins—think Sydney 2021 or Brisbane 2021. Now, as India’s de facto finisher in the middle order, his boundary-hitting isn’t reckless; it’s calculated chaos with purpose. According to ESPNcricinfo, Pant’s 143 sixes have come at a strike rate of 68.50 in Tests—the highest among all Indian wicketkeeper-batters with 2,000+ runs . This blend of explosiveness and resilience makes him a once-in-a-generation talent. While both players share a fearless DNA, their styles reflect the evolution of Indian cricket: Sehwag paved the way; Pant is building a new highway. Pant’s record-breaking knock (52 off 41 balls) wasn’t just symbolic—it was match-defining. After Bumrah’s 5/26 had given India a slender lead, Pant’s blitz ensured the hosts never regained control. His assault demoralized South Africa’s pace attack and set up a commanding first-innings total. For captain Rohit Sharma, this performance validated the trust placed in Pant as the team’s X-factor in challenging conditions—a role once filled by Sehwag in the 2000s. At just 27, Pant is on pace to become the first Indian to hit 200+ sixes in Tests. But his influence extends beyond stats: As coach Rahul Dravid once said, “Pant doesn’t play to survive—he plays to win.” And in breaking Sehwag’s record, he’s doing exactly that. Pant breaks Sehwag’s record is more than a headline—it’s a passing of the torch from one generation of Indian cricketing rebels to the next. By becoming India’s all-time leading six-hitter in Test cricket, Rishabh Pant has cemented his status as the most explosive and impactful middle-order batter of his era. In a format often criticized for being slow, Pant’s fearless approach keeps fans on the edge of their seats—and opponents on the back foot.Why This Record Matters in Test Cricket
Pant vs Sehwag: Two Eras of Aggression
Impact on India vs South Africa Match
What’s Next for Pant’s Legacy?
Summary
Sources