Rishabh Pant's recent century against England at Headingley has triggered a wave of admiration, most notably from Sunil Gavaskar, who had previously been critical of the young batsman's shot selection. Gavaskar's change in tone, from "stupid, stupid, stupid" to "superb, superb, superb," has not gone unnoticed, and Pant himself has responded with a cheeky remark, acknowledging the shift in sentiment.
The incident that sparked Gavaskar's initial criticism occurred during a Test match against Australia, where Pant's dismissal for 28, due to what Gavaskar considered a poor shot selection, drew harsh words from the former Indian captain. Gavaskar didn't mince words, expressing his frustration with Pant's recklessness and the perceived lack of understanding of the game situation.
However, Pant's performance in the recent Test against England has seemingly changed Gavaskar's perspective. Pant's innings of 134, which included a six to reach his century, was a masterclass in combining aggression with measured restraint. Gavaskar, commentating on the match, lauded Pant's approach, noting his ability to give himself time early on and then attack the tiring bowlers. He acknowledged Pant's evolution from a brash youngster to a brilliantly balanced player, praising his defensive technique and his ability to choose the right moments to unleash his aggressive strokes.
Pant's century was not just a personal milestone; it also broke records and helped India take control of the Test match. He surpassed MS Dhoni to become the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test centuries, a significant achievement for the young player. His innings was part of a larger Indian batting display, with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal also scoring centuries, drawing comparisons to India's historic 2002 Headingley Test win.
The century was even more significant considering Pant's recent recovery from a severe car accident in late 2022. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri praised Pant's resilience and his unique batting style, describing him as a "box office" player who entertains the crowd. Shastri reflected on Pant's recovery, emphasizing the emotional weight of his innings and the celebration that followed.
Pant's celebratory somersault after reaching his century has become his signature move. Gavaskar humorously reacted to Pant's celebration by saying, "After that, you need to keep a stretcher and ambulance ready, just in case."
Pant's journey from being labeled "stupid" to being praised as "superb" is a testament to his growth as a cricketer and his ability to learn from his mistakes. He has demonstrated a greater understanding of the game situation, improved his shot selection, and showcased a maturity that was not always evident in his earlier years. His innings at Headingley was a blend of audacious strokeplay and measured defense, proving that he can adapt his game to different situations and conditions. Pant's response to Cheteshwar Pujara's question about Gavaskar's change of heart was short, "Feeling toh wohi hai jo aapko hai…".
Pant's innings has not only won him praise from Gavaskar but also from other cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, who commended his clever use of technique and situational batting. His performance has solidified his position as a key member of the Indian Test team and a player who can change the course of a match with his dynamic batting.
