India has produced several outstanding wicketkeeper-batters over the years, and their contribution with the bat has often proved just as valuable as their work behind the stumps. From MS Dhoni and Wriddhiman Saha to Rishabh Pant, different generations have delivered important Test innings in challenging overseas conditions.
Pant has once again attracted attention with his batting performances on the Sri Lanka tour. The aggressive left-hander registered half-centuries in successive Tests, adding another notable achievement to his record as India's wicketkeeper-batter.
His 66-run knock in Galle was followed by 63 in Colombo. However, despite these impressive performances, Pant has not yet overtaken MS Dhoni's record for the highest Test score by an Indian wicketkeeper in Sri Lanka.
According to the figures cited in the report, Dhoni remains at the top with 76 runs, followed by Wriddhiman Saha with 67 and Pant with 66.
Rishabh Pant Scores Back-to-Back Test Fifties
Pant made an important contribution during the Galle Test, scoring 66 runs in the second innings. He continued his good form in the following match in Colombo, where he produced another half-century, scoring 63 in the first innings.
His two successive scores underline his importance in India's middle order.
| Match | Innings | Rishabh Pant's Score |
|---|---|---|
| Galle Test | Second innings | 66 |
| Colombo Test | First innings | 63 |
Pant's style of batting makes him a particularly interesting player in Test cricket. Rather than allowing bowlers to settle into a rhythm, he frequently uses attacking strokes to shift the pressure back onto the opposition.
That approach can be especially valuable when India lose early wickets or need to increase the scoring rate.
MS Dhoni Remains No. 1 With 76 Runs
Pant's recent performances may have put him close to the top, but MS Dhoni continues to hold the leading position in this particular statistical comparison.
Dhoni scored 76 during India's 2010 tour of Sri Lanka. According to the figures provided, that remains the highest individual Test score by an Indian wicketkeeper while playing in Sri Lanka.
Dhoni's contribution with the bat was a major part of his Test career. While he was widely recognised for his wicketkeeping and captaincy, he also produced several valuable innings from the middle and lower order.
His ability to adapt his batting according to the match situation made him an important part of India's Test line-up.
Wriddhiman Saha Holds Second Place
Wriddhiman Saha occupies the second position in the list.
During India's 2017 tour of Sri Lanka, Saha scored 67 runs. That innings leaves him just nine runs behind Dhoni's 76 and, interestingly, only one run ahead of Pant's 66 in Galle.
Saha was known primarily for his outstanding wicketkeeping technique, but he also played several important innings with the bat during his Test career.
His 67 in Sri Lanka remains one of the significant overseas batting performances by an Indian wicketkeeper.
Highest Test Scores by Indian Wicketkeepers in Sri Lanka
Based on the statistics given in the report, the top three scores are:
| Rank | Wicketkeeper | Highest Score | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MS Dhoni | 76 | 2010 |
| 2 | Wriddhiman Saha | 67 | 2017 |
| 3 | Rishabh Pant | 66 | 2026 |
Only 10 runs separate Dhoni's leading score of 76 from Pant's 66, while Saha sits between them with 67.
Why Pant's 66-Run Knock Still Matters
Although Pant did not break Dhoni's record, his 66-run innings remains significant because of the role a wicketkeeper-batter can play in shaping a Test innings.
Modern wicketkeepers are increasingly expected to contribute substantially with the bat rather than being selected primarily for their work behind the stumps.
Pant has become particularly valuable because he can alter the direction of a match quickly. His willingness to attack spinners and fast bowlers can force opposition captains to change fields and reconsider their bowling plans.
Following his 66 in Galle with another 63 in Colombo also demonstrates consistency rather than a one-off performance.
Dhoni, Saha and Pant Represent Three Different Eras
The three names on this list represent different phases of Indian Test cricket.
Dhoni combined wicketkeeping, middle-order batting and leadership during one of the most important periods in India's cricket history. Saha later established himself as one of India's technically accomplished wicketkeepers while also making useful contributions with the bat.
Pant brought a different dimension to the role through his aggressive batting and ability to score quickly even in Test cricket.
Their contrasting styles also show how the expectations surrounding wicketkeeper-batters have evolved.
Can Rishabh Pant Break Dhoni's Record?
For now, MS Dhoni's 76 remains the benchmark among the scores included in this comparison. Wriddhiman Saha's 67 occupies second place, while Pant's 66 leaves him just one run behind Saha and 10 short of Dhoni.
Pant's back-to-back half-centuries of 66 and 63 nevertheless underline his ability to make an impact in overseas Tests.
Given his attacking approach and capacity to turn a good start into a substantial innings, Pant will remain a strong candidate to challenge such records whenever he gets another opportunity in similar conditions.
For the moment, though, Dhoni continues to lead this particular list, with Saha second and Pant close behind in third place.
