Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, has seemingly walked back his harsh criticism of Rishabh Pant after the young wicketkeeper-batsman struck a magnificent century in the ongoing Test match against England at Headingley. Gavaskar, known for his forthright opinions, had previously labeled Pant "stupid, stupid, stupid" following a reckless shot during a Test match against Australia in 2024. His words had gone viral, becoming a meme and a point of contention among cricket fans.
However, Pant's recent performance has seemingly prompted a change of heart from Gavaskar. Pant's innings, characterized by a blend of caution and aggression, saw him reach his century in a measured 146 balls. He ended up scoring 134 runs off 178 balls, including 12 fours and 6 sixes. This was Pant's seventh Test century, surpassing MS Dhoni's record of six to become the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test tons. What made the century even more special was the way he celebrated it - with a six followed by a now-signature front-flip, a celebration he debuted earlier this year in the IPL.
Speaking on Sony Sports during the match, Gavaskar acknowledged Pant's evolved approach. He noted that Pant seemed to have learned to balance his natural aggression with a more measured approach, giving himself time to settle in before unleashing his attacking game. Gavaskar also praised Pant's ability to defend confidently against pace bowlers, stating that he appeared to have "all the time in the world."
Gavaskar's initial criticism stemmed from Pant's dismissal for 28 in a Test against Australia, where he attempted a rash shot that Gavaskar deemed unnecessary and detrimental to the team's situation. Gavaskar's reaction was strong, suggesting that Pant should be sent to the "other dressing room." That outburst became a talking point, with Pant even humorously recreating the moment in a promotional video.
Pant's century at Headingley was not only a personal milestone but also a crucial contribution to India's strong position in the Test match. Along with Shubman Gill's century and Yashasvi Jaiswal's ton, Pant's innings helped India take control. The innings was a testament to Pant's growth as a cricketer, showcasing his ability to adapt to different situations and temper his aggression with responsibility. He has faced a lot of scrutiny from experts and fans alike. But with this knock, he has proved his mettle.
While Gavaskar has softened his stance, he couldn't resist a light-hearted jab at Pant's celebratory somersault, quipping that a "stretcher and ambulance" should be kept ready in case the exuberance goes wrong. This comment highlights Gavaskar's continued concern for Pant's well-being, even as he acknowledges the player's immense talent and improved maturity.
Pant's innings has not only rewritten perceptions but also broken records. He now has the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper, surpassing the legendary MS Dhoni. He has also climbed to fourth position in the rankings for the most Test centuries by wicketkeepers in international cricket, joining the ranks of Kumar Sangakkara, AB de Villiers, Matt Prior, and BJ Watling.
