Greg Chappell believes Rishabh Pant is not just playing cricket, he's reinventing it. The former Australian captain and India coach has lauded Pant's unconventional approach to batting, emphasizing how it breaks away from traditional norms and keeps the opposition constantly guessing.

Chappell's comments come on the heels of Pant's performance in the recent Headingley Test against England. While India may have faced defeat, Pant's individual brilliance shone brightly as he became only the second wicketkeeper-batter in Test history, after Andy Flower, to score a century in each innings of a Test match. This rare feat underscored his ability to single-handedly change the course of a game.

"He is reinventing the game as a batsman," Chappell said at a promotional event in Mumbai on Wednesday. "His was a phenomenal performance - some of the shots that he played probably weren't in the MCC coaching manual when I last looked at it." Chappell highlighted Pant's rapid scoring rate as a crucial asset, allowing the team more time to secure victories.

Chappell, widely regarded as one of Australia's finest batsmen after Don Bradman, drew comparisons between Pant and Adam Gilchrist, another iconic wicketkeeper known for his aggressive batting style. He emphasized the significant advantage a team gains from having a wicketkeeper who can bat at such a high level and score runs quickly. "What an exciting cricketer, what a player to have on your team," he exclaimed. "When I first saw him, he reminded me very much of Adam Gilchrist."

Pant's approach is characterized by unpredictability. Chappell noted that one never knows what to expect from him, whether it's jumping down the wicket to fast bowlers or playing the falling ramp shot. This constant uncertainty keeps the opposition on their toes, making him a dangerous player at any stage of the game.

While Pant's recent IPL 2025 form has been a cause for concern, with the Lucknow Super Giants captain struggling to find consistency, his overall Test record speaks volumes. Despite the concerns about his form in the shorter format, there is optimism that he can turn things around in the red-ball format, where he has historically excelled.

However, Pant's journey has been a mix of resilience and inconsistency. While he has shown glimpses of his brilliance, he has also faced criticism for his shot selection and occasional lapses in concentration. Former cricketers and analysts have offered advice, suggesting that he should trust his instincts and play his natural game, rather than trying to prove a point.

Despite the recent struggles, Pant's potential remains undeniable. His ability to score quickly, his fearless approach, and his match-winning capabilities make him a valuable asset to the Indian team. As he continues to evolve and refine his game, there is no doubt that he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket, living up to Greg Chappell's assertion that he is indeed reinventing the game.