For years, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has frequently been likened to the legendary Australian Adam Gilchrist. This comparison often stems from Pant’s consistent aggressive approach across all formats and his strong performance behind the stumps.
Gilchrist himself is widely credited with revolutionizing the role of a keeper-batsman in Test cricket through his impactful lower middle-order hitting. With Pant now fulfilling a similar role for India, these comparisons were perhaps inevitable.
However, India’s seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes it’s time to move past simply slotting Pant into the “next Gilchrist” mold, especially concerning his batting. Why? Because Ashwin argues that Pant possesses a high-quality defensive game, a trait he feels Gilchrist lacked.
On his YouTube channel, Ashwin elaborated, “He (Pant) is a fabulous player. He is not Adam Gilchrist-many compare him to Gilchrist. He didn’t have such a good defence. Pant has a high-quality defence. He should be compared with some of the best batters, not Gilchrist. Rishabh Pant can do Pant things.”
Ashwin’s statement suggests that Pant’s diverse skill set, particularly his defensive solidity, sets him apart and warrants a broader comparison with top batsmen, rather than just keeper-batsmen of Gilchrist’s mold.
