Rishabh Pant, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, has been making waves in the cricketing world with his aggressive style of play. Recently, he received high praise from none other than Adam Gilchrist, the legendary Australian wicketkeeper, who acknowledged Pant’s fearless approach and compared it to his own.
Rishabh Pant’s Aggressive Batting Style
Pant’s aggressive batting style has been a hallmark of his career. Known for his fearless approach, Pant often takes the attack to the bowlers, regardless of the match situation. This aggressive mindset has drawn comparisons to Adam Gilchrist, who was known for his attacking brand of cricket during his playing days. Gilchrist himself admitted that Pant attacked more than he did, highlighting the Indian cricketer’s fearless nature.
Gilchrist’s Praise for Pant
Adam Gilchrist, in an interview, praised Pant for his ability to absorb pressure and play aggressive cricket. He mentioned that Pant’s fearless approach makes him a class act and a player worth watching. Gilchrist also appreciated Pant’s ability to occasionally put the foot on the brake and absorb pressure, a quality that adds depth to his aggressive style.
“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. So he’s a class act,” Gilchrist said on Cricket.com.
Gilchrist also highlighted Pant’s entertainment value, describing him as a “bums on seats” player. He mentioned that people would happily pay to watch Pant play, emphasizing the excitement and thrill that Pant brings to the game. Gilchrist’s admiration for Pant’s ability to entertain the crowd and get results underscores the Indian cricketer’s impact on the sport.
“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, I think. If people acknowledge in that manner because 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 humour. He knows how to go about a very serious business in a fun way,” he added.
Pant’s Impressive Career Stats
Rishabh Pant’s career statistics speak volumes about his impact on the game. In just 34 Test matches, Pant has scored over 2,320 runs at an average of 43.81 and a strike rate of 73.73. He has five centuries and 11 fifties to his name, with notable centuries in challenging conditions in Australia, England, and South Africa. His match-winning 89* at the Gabba, Brisbane, during India’s historic series win in Australia, is a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.
Adam Gilchrist on Rishabh Pant !#AdamGilchrist #RishabhPant #TeamIndia #cricket #ICC #bcci #indvsaustralia #testcricket pic.twitter.com/xXeGipQ14E
— SportsIndiaShow (@SportsIndiaShow) September 21, 2024
Pant’s Comeback and Future Prospects
Pant recently made a comeback to the Test team after a 20-month hiatus, showcasing his resilience and determination. His return was marked by a crucial innings of 39 (52) against Bangladesh, stabilizing the Indian innings after early wickets fell. With India set to tour Australia again later this year, Pant’s aggressive batting will be crucial for the team’s success as they aim for a hat-trick of series victories down under.
Also Read: India vs Bangladesh: India Extend Lead to 308 After Bowling Out Bangladesh for 149 on Day 2
