Rishabh Pant's remarkable twin centuries in the first Test against England at Headingley have triggered an avalanche of praise from the cricketing fraternity, with Australian legend Greg Chappell leading the chorus. Chappell, considered one of the finest batsmen after Don Bradman, lauded Pant's fearless approach and innovative shot selection, stating that the Indian wicket-keeper is "reinventing the game as a batsman."
Pant's achievement is historic. He became the first Indian wicketkeeper and only the second overall, after Zimbabwe's Andy Flower, to score centuries in both innings of a Test match. His scores of 134 and 118 not only showcased his batting prowess but also helped India set a target of 371 for England. While India ultimately lost the match, Pant's performance was a major positive, reaffirming his status as a dynamic and game-changing player.
Chappell wasn't alone in his admiration. Former England captain Nasser Hussain described Pant as "absolutely box office," while India's assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak emphasized that Pant "makes his own plans" and has the freedom to express himself at the crease. Steve Harmison, another former England fast bowler, urged India's head coach Gautam Gambhir not to interfere with Pant's natural instincts, saying, "Let the boy play, let him go."
The comparisons to Adam Gilchrist, another swashbuckling wicket-keeper batsman, have also been rife. Chappell himself noted the similarities, highlighting the impact a wicket-keeper who can score runs quickly can have on a team. Pant's ability to shift gears, from aggressive hitting to robust defense, has also drawn plaudits. In the first innings, he displayed his trademark attacking style, while in the second, he demonstrated patience and composure, adapting to the situation and building a crucial partnership with KL Rahul.
Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the IPL franchise Pant captains, hailed him as "aggressive, audacious, and brilliant." Goenka also acknowledged Rahul's century in the same match, recognizing the contributions of both the current and former LSG captains. Pant's twin centuries have not only earned him accolades but have also propelled him up the ICC Test batting rankings. He now sits at seventh position, a testament to his growing stature in the world of Test cricket.
Pant's journey to this point hasn't been without its challenges. After recovering from a car accident, his return to form has been closely watched. His century in the IPL final for Lucknow Super Giants hinted at his resurgence, and his performance at Headingley confirmed that he is back to his best.
Rishabh Pant has also achieved several other milestones. He became the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to reach 3,000 Test runs and holds the record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper, surpassing MS Dhoni. With age on his side and a fearless approach to the game, Pant is set to be a key figure in Indian cricket for years to come. His "shots that weren't in the MCC manual" are not just entertaining to watch but are also redefining the role of a modern-day Test batsman.