India vs England Test Series: Rishabh Pant Aims to Make History

India is set to face England in a five-match Test series starting June 20, marking a new chapter in their cricketing journey. With the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill will lead the team, while Rishabh Pant aims to surpass MS Dhoni's Test century record. This series is crucial for Pant, who seeks to reestablish his dominance in Test cricket after a disappointing IPL performance. As he approaches significant milestones, including runs scored in challenging SENA conditions, Pant's performance could define a new era for Indian cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2025, 17:49 IST

Excitement Builds for India-England Test Series

The anticipation is palpable as India gears up to face England in a highly awaited five-match Test series starting June 20. This series marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for the Indian team, which is eager to bounce back after a disappointing end to the previous cycle. However, the Indian squad will feature a fresh lineup, following the retirements of seasoned players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

A New Era in Indian Test Cricket

With the departure of two of India's cricketing legends, a new chapter in Indian Test cricket is set to unfold, led by Shubman Gill as captain. Rishabh Pant is expected to play a crucial role as he takes charge of the batting order. This series is particularly significant for Pant, who aims to silence critics after a lackluster performance in IPL 2025 and reestablish his position in the longer format of the game.

Pant on the Cusp of Breaking Dhoni’s Century Record

One of the key milestones for Pant is to surpass MS Dhoni’s record of Test centuries. Currently, both players have six Test centuries each. If Pant scores another century in the upcoming Headingley Test, he will surpass Dhoni, becoming India’s leading wicketkeeper-batter in terms of Test centuries. Notably, three of Pant's six centuries have come against England, with two scored on English soil at The Oval and Edgbaston.

Chasing Dhoni’s SENA Runs Record

Pant is not only aiming for centuries but is also close to overtaking Dhoni in terms of runs scored in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, which are known to be the toughest overseas conditions for subcontinent batsmen. Currently, Pant has accumulated 1,681 runs in 26 SENA Tests at an average of 37.35, while Dhoni scored 1,732 runs in 32 SENA Tests at an average of 31.47. A fifty in the first match would make Pant the highest-scoring Asian wicketkeeper in SENA conditions, further solidifying his legacy in Test cricket.

Rishabh Pant: A Defining Series Ahead

Despite some skepticism regarding Pant's recent performances in limited-overs cricket, his credentials in red-ball cricket remain unmatched among current wicketkeeper-batters. Known for his ability to change the game in Tests, Pant thrives under pressure and in challenging conditions, a reputation he has earned on the international stage. As India embarks on this new journey without its two legends, the spotlight shifts to the next generation. For Pant, this series represents not just a chance for redemption but an opportunity to honor his idol Dhoni and lead India into a new era of Test cricket excellence.