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Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has ignited a fresh debate in the cricketing world, asserting that Rishabh Pant has transcended the label of a mere “newbie” and now stands as a benchmark for elite Test batters. Speaking passionately on his widely followed YouTube channel, Ashwin articulated a clear vision for how the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter should be perceived, moving beyond traditional comparisons and into a league of his own.
R Ashwin wants Rishabh Pant’s comparison with some of the best batters and not Adam Gilchrist
Ashwin’s comments underscore a significant shift in how Pant’s burgeoning career is being viewed by seasoned professionals. “Rishabh Pant is not a newbie anymore,” Ashwin declared, emphasizing the need to evolve the narrative around the young star. He further elaborated on his desire to assess Pant purely on his exceptional merits: “So now, I want to judge Rishabh Pant by his own standards. I want to benchmark him against Rishabh Pant.”.
The veteran spinner also directly addressed the prevalent comparisons often drawn between Pant and legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist. While acknowledging the commonality of such parallels, Ashwin firmly believes they fall short of capturing Pant’s comprehensive skill set. “People often compare him with Gilchrist, but he’s not,” Ashwin stated, providing a nuanced distinction. He highlighted Gilchrist’s role as a formidable gloveman who could dismantle attacks from the No. 7 position. However, Ashwin pointed out a crucial difference in Pant’s role: “But Pant is batting at No. 5 and things are very different.” This positional variance, Ashwin implies, demands a more robust and versatile batting game from Pant. He went on to heap praise on Pant’s technical prowess and mental fortitude, particularly in the demanding format of red-ball cricket. “Adam Gilchrist didn’t have this kind of defence. Pant has a high-quality defence,” Ashwin asserted, pointing to an often-overlooked aspect of Pant’s game – his solid defensive technique, which complements his explosive hitting. This combination, according to Ashwin, elevates Pant beyond the wicketkeeper-batter category, prompting the bold claim: “He should be compared with some of the best batters in the world, not just wicketkeepers.”
Also READ: Greg Chappell reveals why Rishabh Pant evokes memories of Adam Gilchrist
Pant’s unstoppable rise in Test cricket
Pant’s recent performances have provided compelling evidence to support Ashwin’s high praise. The left-hander has been in scintillating form throughout the ongoing Test series against England, showcasing his ability to turn the tide of a match single-handedly. His remarkable centuries in both innings of the Headingley Test were a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting, demoralizing the English attack and setting a dominant tone for India. He followed this up with a gritty half-century at Edgbaston, demonstrating his adaptability and resilience even when conditions were challenging.
Pant’s unique approach to batting, characterized by his fearless aggression and uncanny ability to find boundaries even under immense pressure, has solidified his status as one of India’s most significant match-winners in the longest format. His contributions are not merely about scoring runs; they are about seizing momentum, dictating terms to the opposition, and often, rescuing India from precarious positions. This ability to dominate in high-stakes scenarios has made him an indispensable asset to the Indian Test side.
