Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist has praised India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for his aggressive style of play in Test cricket, suggesting that Pant is even more attacking than he was during his own career. Speaking on Cricket.com, Gilchrist, known for his dynamic batting style, noted Pant’s ability to balance aggression with defense, calling him a “class act.”
Gilchrist, who was renowned for his aggressive batting while representing Australia in 96 Tests, finished his career with a remarkable strike rate of 81.95 and 5570 runs at an average of 47.60. His aggressive approach often changed the complexion of matches, especially when batting at No. 7. Pant, who has a similar role for India, has a strike rate of 73.63 in 33 Tests since making his debut in 2018.
“I reckon he attacks a bit more than I did. I played an aggressive brand at that time, but Rishabh, he looks fearless. What I do like is that he occasionally puts a foot on the brake and absorbs a bit of pressure,” said Gilchrist, highlighting Pant’s maturity in reading the game situations.
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Rishabh Pant has been a crucial figure in India’s recent Test successes, particularly overseas. The left-hander has scored crucial centuries in Australia, South Africa, and England, playing key roles in India’s victories. His contributions were especially pivotal in India’s back-to-back Test series wins in Australia.
Pant’s fearlessness and ability to turn the game on its head with his attacking stroke play have drawn comparisons with Gilchrist, who was one of the most feared wicketkeeper-batters in the history of the game. Gilchrist acknowledged that Pant’s ability to bring the crowd to life and maintain an air of fun, even while performing in pressure situations, is one of his standout qualities.
“He Knows How to Go About Serious Business in a Fun Way”
The former Australian wicketkeeper also emphasized Pant’s knack for entertaining crowds while remaining focused on the task at hand. “He is, what you say, bums on seats and people pay money well and truly. I would happily pay money to watch him play cricket. So that’s a great quality to have,” said Gilchrist, further appreciating Pant’s humor and lively approach to the game.
The 52-year-old added that Pant’s game is not just about entertainment but also about getting results for his team, which makes him a key player. “He gets the results, he’s a winner and a survivor, as we know. He’s all class in everything he does. He’s good fun, he’s got the humor. He knows how to go about a very serious business in a fun way,” Gilchrist concluded.
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Pant’s fearless approach combined with his adaptability in different conditions has drawn admiration from cricketing greats like Gilchrist, and his future looks bright as one of India’s key players across formats.
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