Rishabh Pant's record-breaking performance in the first Test against England at Headingley has sent waves of excitement through the cricketing world, and it appears it even stirred the legendary Sunil Gavaskar to contemplate a gymnastic feat of his own. Pant's twin centuries, 134 in the first innings and 118 in the second, not only propelled India to a commanding position but also etched his name in the history books as the first Indian wicketkeeper to achieve this distinction in a Test match.
Gavaskar, known for his insightful commentary and occasionally blunt assessments, has had a complex relationship with Pant's aggressive style of play. In the past, he famously criticized Pant's rash shot selection, even uttering the words "stupid, stupid, stupid" after a dismissal during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. However, Pant's maturity and adaptability shone brightly at Headingley, earning him high praise from the former Indian captain. As Pant reached his century in the first innings, Gavaskar was heard exclaiming "Superb, superb, superb!".
Following Pant's second century, Gavaskar playfully gestured from the stands, urging the young batsman to perform his signature somersault celebration, a move that had already gone viral after the first innings ton. Pant, however, politely declined, signaling that he would save it for another time.
It was during a post-match analysis on Sony Sports that Gavaskar made a surprising revelation. He confessed that he was so impressed by Pant's achievement that he considered attempting a "backstand" himself. "You know what, I've got to confess that after that I came here and I, and I tried not to do the backflip, no chance of, at my age, but I used to do the backstand and I was looking to do the backstand," Gavaskar admitted. He further added, "So if I could do it successfully then, then I would have shown it here, but I wasn't able to."
Gavaskar's comments highlight the profound impact Pant's innings had, not just on the match, but on the veteran commentator himself. It showcases the respect Gavaskar now holds for Pant, acknowledging his growth as a cricketer and his ability to perform under pressure.
Pant's twin centuries at Headingley were not just about aggressive hitting. He displayed remarkable adaptability, shifting gears between cautious defense and calculated aggression. Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta even compared Pant's resilience to that of Cheteshwar Pujara, noting his ability to graft and build an innings when required. Pant's innings also saw him break and equal several records. He became the first Indian to score centuries in both innings of a Test in England, and only the second wicketkeeper in history to achieve the feat, following Zimbabwe's Andy Flower.
Gavaskar emphasized the joy that Pant's performance would bring to Indian cricket fans worldwide. He spoke about the passion for cricket in India and how the success of the national team and individual players brings happiness to countless families. He also acknowledged Pant's journey, referring to the challenges he has overcome, including his recovery from a serious car accident.
Pant's response to Gavaskar's earlier criticism has also been noteworthy. According to Gavaskar, Pant never took offense to his "stupid, stupid, stupid" rant and remained eager to learn and improve. This positive attitude, combined with his undeniable talent, has contributed to his remarkable success.
In conclusion, Rishabh Pant's sensational performance at Headingley has not only solidified his place as a key player in the Indian cricket team but has also earned him the admiration of legends like Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar's surprising revelation about wanting to attempt a backstand underscores the magnitude of Pant's achievement and the excitement he has brought to the game. Pant's journey, marked by both criticism and praise, serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and a testament to the power of resilience and determination.
