Sports News: Former Indian off-spinner and lower-order batter Ravichandran Ashwin has said that Rishabh Pant should not be compared with Adam Gilchrist. Pant, who scored fantastic twin centuries at Leeds, Headingley, has been a run-scoring machine for India in the longest format. His 65 off 58 deliveries in Birmingham also played a role in India's emphatic 226-run victory over England. The Southpaw's ability to turn the game around with his attacking intent has been one of India's biggest strength. The 27-year-old wicket-keeper and middle-order batter for India has proved himself to be a match winner in tests.
Ashwin on Pant
The veteran Indian spinner said that he wants Pant to achieve his potential. He also stressed the fact that Rishabh has now recognized when to curb his attacking instincts. "I would like to see Rishabh Pant achieve his potential. We want him to entertain us, but he can do that and show restraint when needed. Pant is not a newbie anymore. I want to benchmark Pant to his standards," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
"He is not Adam Gilchrist"
Aswhin believes that the comparisons are misplaced and highlight a gap in this beloved sport. Addressing some comparisons between Pant and Australian legend Adam Gilchrist, he said, "He is a fabulous player. He is not Adam Gilchrist; many compare him to Gilchrist. He didn't have such a good defence. Pant has a high-quality defence. He should be compared with some of the best batters, not Gilchrist. Rishabh Pant can do Pant things."
Pant's record at Headingley
After his sensational twin tons in Leeds, the left-handed batter became only the second wicket-keeper batsman to achieve the feat, the first one being Andy Flower. Pant also became the first Asian wicket-keeper batter to score 2000 runs in the SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). Pant's ability to recognize when to attack has made him one of India's best wicket-keeper batters in the test format.
