India have produced several iconic wicketkeeper-batters over the years, with names such as Syed Kirmani, MS Dhoni, Wriddhiman Saha and Rishabh Pant making a lasting impression. However, only a select few have managed to leave a truly significant mark in the longest format of the game. Picking one name as the greatest among them is always a difficult debate, given the different eras, roles and contributions of India’s wicketkeeper-batters.
Dodda Ganesh names greatest Indian wicketkeeper-batter in Tests
Former India pacer Dodda Ganesh has now weighed in on the debate, and his choice may surprise fans who immediately associate India’s greatest wicketkeeper-batter with Dhoni. Ganesh backed Pant as India’s finest wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket, highlighting the extraordinary impact the left-hander has had since making his debut in the format.
“Nostalgia is great. But I don’t think India have had a better WK-batsman than Rishabh Pant in the tests. The kind of impact he has had in his career spanning 50 tests and the number of tests he has won with his bat is on par with some of the great batters of the past. Pant is a genius in this format,” Ganesh wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
His comments underline the enormous value Pant has brought to India’s Test side, particularly through his aggressive approach and ability to change the course of matches from difficult positions.
Nostalgia is great. But I don’t think India have had a better WK-batsman than Rishabh Pant in the tests. The kind of impact he has had in his career spanning 50 tests and the number of tests he has won with his bat is on par with some of the great batters of the past.
Pant is a…
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) August 19, 2026
MS Dhoni’s absence surprises many
Ganesh’s decision is likely to spark plenty of discussion, especially because Dhoni remains one of the most influential wicketkeeper-batters in Indian cricket history. Dhoni played 90 Tests for India and scored 4,876 runs, including six centuries and 33 fifties. He also captained India in the longest format and played a key role in establishing the team as a formidable Test side during his tenure.
However, Pant’s impact has been particularly striking because of the manner in which he has combined counter-attacking batting with wicketkeeping responsibilities. His ability to take the game away from opponents in a matter of overs has made him a unique presence in Test cricket.
Impressive show in India’s Galle victory
Pant recently produced another important contribution during India’s comprehensive 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 39 in the first innings before producing a rapid 66 off just 69 deliveries in the second innings. His attacking knock helped India strengthen their position and set Sri Lanka a challenging target.
During his second-innings assault, Pant also created history by becoming the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket. He reached the landmark in just 89 innings, making him the fastest batter overall to achieve the feat in terms of innings. The performance once again highlighted why Pant continues to attract such high praise in the red-ball format.
