Rishabh Pant Breaks Adam Gilchrist’s Record, Becomes Fastest to 100 Test Sixes in IND vs SL

India set Sri Lanka a target of 372 runs on Day 4. In response, the hosts reached 84/4, with Dinesh Chandimal unable to continue after suffering an injury while fielding.

Rishabh Pant Becomes the Fourth Batter to Hit 100 Test Sixes

Pant has become only the fourth batter in men’s Test cricket to reach the landmark of 100 sixes. England captain Ben Stokes currently leads the list with 138 sixes, while Pant has joined an elite group that includes Stokes, Gilchrist and another established six-hitter.

The achievement is particularly significant because Pant reached the mark faster than anyone before him.

Pant Breaks Gilchrist’s Record

Pant completed his 100 Test sixes in just 89 innings and 4,918 balls. Gilchrist had reached the same milestone in 130 innings and 6,578 balls.

The record further underlines Pant's aggressive approach to Test batting. Despite being a wicketkeeper-batter, he has consistently used attacking strokes to change the momentum of matches.

First Indian Batter to 100 Test Sixes

Pant is now the leading Indian six-hitter in Test cricket. Before his landmark, Virender Sehwag held the Indian record with 91 sixes, while Rohit Sharma had 88.

Pant's achievement adds another major milestone to his Test career and places him among the most destructive attacking batters in the format.

Dinesh Chandimal Suffers Injury, Pasindu Sooriyabandara Comes In

Sri Lanka also faced an injury setback on Day 4. Dinesh Chandimal suffered an impact to his head and shoulder while fielding and was subsequently ruled unable to continue.

Following assessment by the medical team, Pasindu Sooriyabandara was brought in as a concussion substitute. However, the replacement batter was dismissed from the very first ball he faced.

What Is a Concussion Substitute in Cricket?

A concussion substitute can be used when a player suffers a head injury and is deemed unable to continue by the medical team. The replacement is subject to the relevant playing conditions and must be approved under the applicable concussion-substitution rules.

The ICC introduced the concussion-substitute provision in international cricket in 2019 to provide a safer mechanism for replacing players who cannot continue after suffering head injuries.

Jadeja Gets Dhananjaya de Silva, But No-Ball Saves Sri Lanka

Another major moment came during Ravindra Jadeja's over. Dhananjaya de Silva appeared to have been dismissed after KL Rahul took a catch at first slip, and Jadeja initially celebrated the wicket.

However, the umpire ruled the delivery a no-ball. Replays showed that Jadeja's front foot had crossed the bowling crease, meaning the dismissal could not stand.

India Eye Victory in Galle

With India setting Sri Lanka a target of 372 runs, the hosts faced a challenging final phase of the Test. Sri Lanka reached 84/4, leaving India within sight of a potentially significant victory.

For Pant, however, the day will be remembered for another reason. His 100th Test six not only made him the first Indian to reach the landmark but also saw him break Gilchrist's record for reaching the milestone in the fewest innings and balls.