Rishabh Pant‘s recent form has sparked comparisons to the legendary Adam Gilchrist, but former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith believes it’s too early for such pronouncements. However, Smith is effusive in his praise for Pant’s talent and potential.
Rishabh Pant returns to form
Ian Smith, a wicket-keeper batsman himself during his playing days, has been particularly impressed by Pant’s resurgence since his car accident. Pant has carried his strong form from the IPL into the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Rishabh Pant outshines MS Dhoni
Pant’s ability to score Test centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa is a testament to his exceptional talent. This achievement even surpasses that of his mentor, MS Dhoni.
However, statistically, there’s a vast gap to bridge between Pant and Gilchrist. The Australian legend amassed over 15,000 international runs and over 800 dismissals behind the stumps.
Ian Smith lauds Pant’s versatility
Despite the gap in statistics, Smith acknowledges the similarities between Pant and Gilchrist. Both possess the ability to bat effectively at various positions across formats.
“He can complement whoever he’s batting with,” explains Smith to PTI. “Whether it’s supporting Kohli or Rohit Sharma, the number three spot suits him well. In white-ball cricket, your best players need to face the most deliveries, and that’s what makes him valuable.”
Rishabh Pant’s explosiveness major asset
Smith highlights Rishabh Pant’s ability to attack from the very first ball, but also acknowledges his adaptability. “He has other options if the aggressive approach doesn’t work out,” Smith says. “Replacing a world-class player like KL Rahul speaks volumes about his talent.”
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Focus on future: Greatness awaits
While the comparisons to Gilchrist are best reserved for the future, Smith believes Pant is undoubtedly one of the finest wicket-keeper batsmen in the modern game. He joins the ranks of other top names like Quinton de Kock, Jos Buttler, and Mohammad Rizwan.
In conclusion, Smith acknowledges Pant’s immense potential while urging fans to focus on his continued development. If Pant maintains his current form, he has the ability to reach truly legendary heights, but for now, the comparisons to Gilchrist can wait.
