Fastest Test fifties by Indian wicketkeepers
India has produced several great wicketkeepers over the years who have etched their names in history books with their excellent glovework. However, the nation hasn’t had many wicketkeepers who could also make a solid contribution with the bat.
But things took a drastic turn as the dawn of the new century in 2000 brought with it numerous good wicketkeeper batters who were not only excellent with their glovework but could also add crucial runs to the team’s total with the bat. As India’s wicketkeeper batters continue to take international cricket by storm, let’s take a look at the top three fastest Test fifties by Indian wicketkeepers:
3. MS Dhoni (34 balls) vs Pakistan, 2nd Test, Faislabad, January 2006
After the drawn first Test, Pakistan were determined to go 1-0 up and posted 588 runs on the board in the first innings. India were 258/4 when MS Dhoni walked to the crease and played a sensational knock of 148 (153) in just his fifth Test. During his innings, he reached a half-century in just 34 balls and helped India reply with a strong 603. The game got drawn and the series remained level at 0-0.
2. Ishan Kishan (33 balls) vs West Indies, 2nd Test, Trinidad, July 2023
After taking a 183-run lead in the first innings, India needed to score quickly on Day 4 to give enough time to their bowlers to bowl out West Indies in the fourth innings. Ishan Kishan, who was playing just his second Test, was sent in at number four and the youngster did not disappoint. He went on to score a brilliant fifty off just 33 balls (52* off 34) and helped his side set a target of 365 in the second innings. Unfortunately, rain did not allow India to force a result and the game ended in a draw.
1. Rishabh Pant (28 balls) vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Bengaluru, March 2022
Having bundled out Sri Lanka for just 109 in the first innings, India were looking to add quick runs in the second innings. Rishabh Pant aided his team’s cause with a quick-fire fifty off just 28 balls (50 off 31) smashing seven fours and two sixes in his innings. With his knock, Pant registered the fastest fifty by an Indian wicketkeeper and helped his team win the match by 238 runs.
