A wicket-keeper batsman always adds flare to the team combination. We have seen many wicket-keeper legends that have dominated the cricket world. MS Dhoni, Kumar Sangakkara, Adam Gilchrist, Brendon McCullum, and many more have taken the world of cricket by storm. Speaking of the current generation, Jos Buttler, Quinton de Kock, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammad Rizwan are the prime examples of this.
Gilchrist was one of those batters that changed the dynamics of the game. And if we look at the current era, there is one wicket-keeper batsman who is walking on the same path, which is none other than Rishabh Pant. The 24-year-old is an aggressive left-hander, and he has always been compared to Gilchrist. He has always delivered some extraordinary performances in his short career. Pant is the only wicket-keeper to have scored a century in England, Australia and South Africa.
Just like the Australian legend, Pant has also made a reputation as a game-changer, who can win matches from nowhere. That’s what Gilchrist also thinks about the 24-year-old. The Australian legend termed Pant the most exciting batsman to watch. He said that when the Indian wicket-keeper plays, the atmosphere turns electric and the fans love him.
However, despite having all these qualities, there are a few times when Pant gets out trying to play an outrageous shot. That is why many also criticise him for his carelessness. Speaking of that, Gilchrist urged the BCCI and management to back the youngster and be patient with him.
Gilchrist said, “The BCCI, the management and the selectors will just need to be patient with him. A few innings if he doesn’t score they shouldn’t be too harsh on him, because you don’t want to suppress the natural flair.”
He also spoke about his views on the Indian players playing in other T20 leagues around the world. Gilchrist said that it would be great if Indian players will be allowed to play in other leagues. It will help them grow as a brand. However, he also added that it is a bit difficult because every nation plays their domestic season at the same time.
