Adam Gilchrist praises Rishabh Pant for his outstanding batting display in the 4th Test

Australian cricket veteran Adam Gilchrist was nothing but praises for Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant. Gilchrist felt that Pant was outstanding with the bat in the Test series against Australia, claiming that Pant is a true box office cricketer. Gilchrist also appreciated Pant for his unorthodox aggressive approach in the Test format. On several occasions, the Indian wicket-keeper batsman has been compared with the Australian all-time great. Pant’s splendid knock of 89 in just 138 balls helped India seal the deal in the final Test of the 2020 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Pant was dropped from the starting lineup of the 1st Test of the Test series. After India suffered a heavy defeat, changes were made in the starting line-up. Pant made it to the starting lineup for the 2nd Test, which India won by a comfortable margin. In the 3rd Test, it looked that India would suffer a loss. This is when Pant stepped in and obstructed the Australian bowlers. In 118 balls, Pant smashed 97 runs in the 2nd innings of the 3rd Test. Pant played a pivotal role to help India secure a draw in the 3rd Test. His contribution in the 4th Test needs no explanation. Pant almost single-handedly chased down the total, as India created history by defeating Australia at the Gabba.

This was Australia’s first loss at the Gabba in the Test format since 1988. Furthermore, with this win, India moved up to the top of the ICC World Test Championship Points Table.

Pant will surely improve his wicketkeeping: Adam Gilchrist

Excluding his batting skills, Pant has seen some criticism on account of his wicketkeeping. In the Test at Sydney, Pant missed some sitters. He dropped Will Pucovski on 2 occasions. Furthermore, he also let go of several byes, conceding extra runs for free. However, Gilchrist has come to Pant’s aid. The Australian backs Pant, stating that Pant is a valuable asset to the Indian side. Gilchrist believes that Pant will overcome these mistakes and improve his wicket-keeping skills. India already has several wicketkeeping options in the form of Wriddhiman Saha and KL Rahul. Hence, Pant will have to improve in the wicketkeeping department in order to don the gloves for India on a regular basis.

Pant was India’s highest run-scorer in the 2020 Border Gavaskar Trophy. In just 3 Tests, Pant amassed 274 runs in total. Against Australia, Pant averages at around 62 with the lowest score of 23.

READ MORE Cricket articles here!