IND vs SL: Rishabh Pant Can Make 5 Big Records in Galle Test, Could Become the First Indian to Do So
Rishabh Pant will be one of the biggest attractions when India take on Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle from August 15. The wicketkeeper-batter has already established himself as one of India’s most dangerous Test match players, and the upcoming game could give him another opportunity to add several records to his name.
Pant’s aggressive batting style could be particularly valuable in Galle, where Sri Lanka are expected to rely heavily on spin. Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has even identified Pant as India’s biggest threat ahead of the series.
Here are five major milestones Pant could chase in the Galle Test.
1. 100 Test Sixes
This is arguably the biggest record on the list.
Pant has already moved past Rohit Sharma in India’s Test sixes chart and is approaching the landmark of 100 Test sixes. He needs only three more sixes to reach the century of sixes. If he does it in Galle, Pant would become the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket.
Globally, reaching 100 Test sixes would also put Pant in extremely exclusive company.
2. Another Test Century
Pant already owns the record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper.
His twin centuries against England at Headingley in 2025 took his Test-century tally to seven, moving him beyond MS Dhoni’s six. He also became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score two centuries in the same Test.
A century in Galle would further extend his lead among Indian wicketkeepers.
3. Another Major Milestone With the Bat
Pant’s Test career has already crossed several significant run milestones, and another substantial innings in Galle would push him further up India’s wicketkeeper-batter records.
His ability to score quickly also makes him a particularly dangerous player on a pitch where batting can become more difficult as the Test progresses.
4. Strengthen His Record Against Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka are familiar opponents for Pant, and Galle is a venue where India’s wicketkeeper-batter could make a significant impact.
With Sri Lanka expected to use spin-friendly conditions to their advantage, Pant’s ability to attack spinners could potentially turn the pressure back onto the hosts.
His aggressive approach is precisely why Maharoof has singled him out as India’s player Sri Lanka should worry about most.
5. Another Landmark as India’s Wicketkeeper
Pant has repeatedly rewritten India’s wicketkeeping records.
He became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to reach 3,000 Test runs, doing so in 76 innings. He has also become the first Indian wicketkeeper to score Test centuries in both innings of a match.
A strong performance in Galle could therefore add another milestone to a career that has already produced several records.
Pant’s Form Will Be Closely Watched
There is one concern heading into the Test. Pant did not have the best preparation match against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI.
He scored only 2 runs in the first innings and 28 in the second, although he did strike three sixes in the latter innings. Devdutt Padikkal’s unbeaten 142 was the major batting highlight for India.
However, Pant has repeatedly shown that warm-up performances do not necessarily predict what he will do in a Test match.
Galle Could Suit Pant’s Aggressive Game
The first Test will begin on August 15 at Galle International Cricket Stadium, with the second Test scheduled for Colombo from August 23.
Galle traditionally offers considerable assistance to spin, especially as the match progresses. That could make Pant’s ability to attack spin a crucial weapon for India.
At the same time, Sri Lanka will have their own spin threat, with Prabath Jayasuriya expected to play an important role.
The Bottom Line
Rishabh Pant has already established himself as one of India’s most prolific Test wicketkeeper-batters. In Galle, he has the opportunity to add another remarkable chapter to that record book.
The biggest target is undoubtedly 100 Test sixes. Just three more maximums would take him to the landmark and make him the first Indian batter to reach the mark.
With the Galle pitch expected to offer a major spin challenge, Pant’s aggressive batting could prove crucial for India—and if he finds his rhythm, the first Test could become another record-breaking occasion for the Indian wicketkeeper.