Ravichandran Ashwin has made a compelling argument about how Rishabh Pant should be viewed in the cricketing world. Instead of constantly drawing parallels between Pant and the legendary Adam Gilchrist, Ashwin suggests that Pant should be evaluated against the very best batsmen in the game.
Ashwin's comments come at a time when Pant has established himself as a dependable match-winner for India in Test cricket. The young wicketkeeper-batsman has a knack for delivering under pressure, often rescuing the team from difficult situations with his aggressive yet calculated batting style. His ability to score centuries in challenging conditions has been instrumental in turning games around for India.
While Pant's aggressive approach and wicket-keeping role have led to comparisons with Adam Gilchrist, Ashwin believes that such comparisons are limiting. Gilchrist, renowned for his explosive batting and exceptional glovework, set a high benchmark for wicketkeeper-batsmen. However, Ashwin points out that Pant possesses a different skillset and a unique approach to the game.
"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 stated. He emphasized that Pant's defensive technique is superior to that of Gilchrist, and his overall batting ability should be assessed alongside the top batsmen in the world.
Ashwin's perspective highlights the importance of recognizing Pant as a complete batsman, capable of adapting his game to different situations. While Pant is known for his aggressive strokeplay, Ashwin wants him to temper that aggression with restraint when the situation demands it. He believes that Pant has the potential to become even more consistent and effective if he can strike the right balance between attack and defense.
Moreover, Ashwin points out that Pant is no longer a newcomer to international cricket. He has gained considerable experience and has proven his mettle in various conditions. Therefore, it is time to benchmark Pant against his own standards and evaluate his performances based on his potential and achievements.
Earlier this year, Greg Chappell also lauded Pant's explosive batting and compared his game-changing impact to that of Gilchrist. Chappell noted that Pant's fast scoring rate gives his team more time to win matches and that his innovative shot selection keeps the opposition on their toes. However, Chappell also acknowledged that Pant is reinventing the game with his fearless approach and utilization of modern bats.
While Pant has equaled MS Dhoni's record for most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper, it's important to note that Pant has a long way to go before he can truly challenge the most prolific wicketkeepers of all time in terms of runs or centuries. Gilchrist retired with 17 Test centuries and holds the record for the highest run scorer among wicketkeepers.
Ultimately, Ravichandran Ashwin's comments serve as a reminder that Rishabh Pant is a special talent who should be allowed to carve his own niche in cricket. By comparing him to the best batsmen in the game, rather than limiting him to comparisons with Adam Gilchrist or MS Dhoni , Pant can be inspired to reach his full potential and establish himself as one of the greats.
