Sunil Gavaskar, known for his forthright opinions, has seemingly revised his stance on Rishabh Pant following the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman's impressive innings against England on Day 1 of the first Test at Headingley, Leeds. This represents a significant shift from Gavaskar's previous criticism, most notably during a Test match against Australia when he famously labeled Pant's shot selection as "Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!".

Pant's career has been a rollercoaster, marked by both match-winning performances and periods of intense scrutiny. He has often been lauded for his fearless approach and ability to single-handedly change the course of a game. However, this aggression has also led to dismissals at crucial moments, drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike, with Gavaskar being one of the most vocal.

During that Australia Test, Pant's dismissal for 28, prompted a scathing response from Gavaskar, who felt the young batter had thrown his wicket away with an irresponsible shot. Gavaskar's remarks were widely circulated, becoming a talking point and even spawning humorous recreations by Pant himself.

However, in the ongoing Test against England, a different Rishabh Pant was on display. On Day 1, as India reached 359/3, Pant remained unbeaten on 65 off 102 balls, demonstrating a blend of aggression and maturity that impressed Gavaskar. Pant started his innings with a boundary off Ben Stokes, but then settled into a more cautious approach, particularly against Shoaib Bashir. He scored only 16 runs off his next 44 deliveries, showcasing a level of restraint not always associated with his batting.

Gavaskar, commentating on Sony Sports, acknowledged this change in approach. He noted that while Pant often likes to start aggressively, he had been more measured in his innings against England, giving himself time to settle in before accelerating. Gavaskar pointed out that once the bowlers began to tire, Pant started to attack, using his feet to hit boundaries and sixes.

Gavaskar further elaborated that Pant's initial caution allowed him to play more aggressively later in the innings. He also praised Pant's defensive technique, suggesting that the left-hander appeared to have ample time against the pace bowlers. Gavaskar highlighted Pant's past centuries in South Africa and Australia, emphasizing the blend of defence and attack that he is capable of producing.

Pant's innings was not without its moments of luck. He reached his second boundary after 48 balls with an outside edge. He reached his fifty off 91 balls and completed 3000 runs in Tests. At stumps, he remained unbeaten with six fours and two sixes.

Gavaskar's apparent change of heart highlights the dynamic nature of cricket and the evolving perceptions of players. Pant's innings in Leeds suggested a greater understanding of the game situation and a willingness to adapt his natural attacking instincts. This maturity, coupled with his undeniable talent, has seemingly won over even his harshest critics, including the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. Only time will tell if Pant can consistently replicate this measured approach, but his performance in the first Test against England is a promising sign of things to come.