Cricket fans were sent into a frenzy after Sanjay Manjrekar delivered a bold assessment that is bound to stir a debate. He believes Rishabh Pant has already surpassed MS Dhoni as Indiarsquos greatest wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket. Following Pantrsquos stunning century against England in Leeds on June 21 the former India batter praised Pantrsquos ability to deliver big knocks under challenging overseas conditionsmdashsomething he feels Dhoni lacked consistently. Manjrekarrsquos Take Conditions Matter Speaking on JioHotstar Manjrekar emphasized that a batters greatness should be judged by where they score their centuries. ldquoHersquos got hundreds in England South Africa and Australiardquo he noted pointing out that Pantrsquos adaptability and attacking mindset have made him a standout performer on foreign soil. This Manjrekar believes sets Pant apart from Dhoni whose lone century outside India came in Pakistan. The Numbers Tell the Tale A statistical comparison backs Manjrekarrsquos bold claim. In 48 away Tests Dhoni scored 2496 runs at an average of 32.84 managing just one century. In contrast Pant in only 30 matches has amassed 1976 runs at an average of 39.52 with five centuries and six fifties to his name. The trajectory suggests Pant is not only closing in but may soon eclipse Dhonirsquos legacy in the format. Indiarsquos Best Test Keeper-Batter Yet? Manjrekar didnrsquot hold back in his praise even as Pant flirted with another nervous-nineties moment. ldquoBy far Indiarsquos greatest ever Test batter-keeperrdquo he declared. With seven dismissals in the 90s Pant has shown both brilliance and heartbreak yet continues to thrill fans with his fearless approach. ldquoHersquos a breath of fresh airrdquo Manjrekar added alluding to Pantrsquos unique ability to turn matches around single-handedly. Respect from the Opponentsrsquo Gallery The 134-run masterclass from Pant in Leeds drew admiration not just from Indian fans but also from the English crowd. ldquoWhen he got out and raised his bat there were a lot of English supporters who stood up and applauded that inningsrdquo Manjrekar observed praising Englandrsquos cricket-loving audience for recognizing excellence regardless of national colors. A New Leader in the Making Pantrsquos heroics helped India post a formidable 471 in the first innings giving the team a strong grip on the Test match. As vice-captain his influence now extends beyond the bat playing a pivotal role in aiding the Indian skipper in strategizing and leading the bowling charge.