Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell has lauded India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, stating that he is redefining the game. Pant’s fearless approach in the opening Test against England at Headingley kept fans captivated. The young wicketkeeper etched his name in history by scoring centuries in both innings of the match, becoming only the second wicketkeeper ever to achieve this feat. Chappell praised Pant’s performance, observing that he is revolutionizing batting.
Chappell commented, “The beauty is Rishabh gets runs at a very fast rate which gives you time to win cricket matches. His was a phenomenal performance. Some of the shots he played weren’t in the MCC playing manual. He is really reinventing the game as a batsman. With modern technology, the bats are very different and you can play shots which weren’t possible with the old bats. He’s exciting to watch.”
Chappell added, “When I first saw him, he reminded me of Adam Gilchrist…a different sort of player, of course, but…the difference it can make to a team when a wicketkeeper can bat at that level and to score runs quickly. You never quite know what to expect from him from the first ball. At any stage he is likely to jump down the wicket to the fast bowlers or play the falling ramp shot. You never quite know what to expect. It keeps the opposition on their toes. He is a match winner (and he) very nearly made the difference in that game.”
In the 1st Test at Headingley, Pant showcased an exceptional performance, becoming the first Asian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings. He scored 134 in the first innings, forming a substantial partnership with Shubman Gill, and followed it up with another century, showcasing his quality and character. Although India lost the match, Pant’s twin centuries were a significant highlight, establishing him as a consistent middle-order batsman. His efforts made India competitive and highlighted his value as a leader and game-changer in red-ball cricket.