The world of cricket is full of dramatic turns, and the relationship between Rishabh Pant and Sunil Gavaskar provides a perfect example. Once a target of Gavaskar's sharp criticism, Pant has now earned high praise from the legendary cricketer. This transformation culminated during the recent India vs. England Test match at Headingley, Leeds, where Pant's impressive century drew "Superb, superb, superb!" from Gavaskar, a stark contrast to the "Stupid, stupid, stupid!" remark he made about Pant during a Test match against Australia.
The incident that triggered Gavaskar's infamous "stupid" comment occurred during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Pant's reckless shot selection led to his dismissal, leaving Gavaskar visibly frustrated. The former India captain didn't mince words, expressing his disappointment at what he perceived as a needless waste of talent and a detrimental moment for the team. The phrase quickly went viral, becoming a meme and a point of discussion among cricket fans.
Fast forward to the present, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. Pant's recent performance, particularly his century against England, has prompted a complete turnaround in Gavaskar's assessment. Pant reached his century in style, launching Shoaib Bashir over long-on for a six. Gavaskar, who was on commentary duty, couldn't contain his admiration, showering the young batsman with praise.
In a post-match interview with Cheteshwar Pujara, Pant was asked about his feelings on Gavaskar's change of heart. With a smile, Pant responded, "Feeling toh wohi hai jo aapko hai (I have the same feelings as you)." He further elaborated on his journey, stating, "It feels really good that I have been able to work on my shortcomings and convert your setbacks into comebacks. That was always my thought process. I felt that I wasn't up to the mark on a certain aspect, but luckily, I was able to change it by working hard, focusing well, and adding a layer of discipline to my game. So that's been exciting for me."
Gavaskar himself has acknowledged Pant's evolution. Speaking on Sony Sports, he noted, "He's been measured in his approach, giving himself time out in the middle. But once he's in and the bowlers start to tire, that's when he begins to step down the pitch and really attack." He further added, "Because he gives himself that time early on, it becomes easier for him to play those aggressive strokes later. When he defends, it's like he has all the time in the world. He's got enormous talent."
Pant's century wasn't just a personal milestone; it was a significant contribution to India's strong position in the Test match. His innings, combined with centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, allowed India to post a formidable total. Pant's knock of 134 included 12 fours and 6 sixes, demonstrating his ability to combine aggression with calculated risk-taking.
Rishabh Pant's journey from being labeled "stupid" to being hailed as "superb" is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and determination. It also highlights the ever-evolving nature of cricket, where perceptions can change in an instant based on performance. Pant's story serves as an inspiration to young cricketers, demonstrating the importance of learning from mistakes, working on weaknesses, and never giving up on their dreams.
