Former player Ian Smith believes the Indian wicketkeeper has potential
The recent form of Rishabh Pant has sparked comparisons to the legendary Adam Gilchrist, but former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith believes it’s too early for such pronouncements. However, Smith is effusive in his praise for Pant’s talent and potential.
Ian Smith, a wicketkeeper batsman himself during his playing days, has been particularly impressed by Pant’s resurgence since his car accident. Pant has carried his strong form from the IPL into the ongoing T20 World Cup.
The ability of Pant to score Test centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa is a testament to his exceptional talent. This achievement even surpasses that of his mentor, MS Dhoni.
However, statistically, there’s a vast gap to bridge between Pant and Gilchrist. The Australian legend amassed over 15,000 international runs and over 800 dismissals behind the stumps.
Despite the gap in statistics, Smith acknowledges the similarities between Pant and Gilchrist. Both possess the ability to bat effectively at various positions across formats.
Smith explained, “He can complement whoever he’s batting with. Whether it’s supporting Kohli or Rohit Sharma, the number three spot suits him well. In white-ball cricket, your best players need to face the most deliveries, and that’s what makes him valuable.”
Smith highlights Rishabh Pant’s ability to attack from the very first ball but also acknowledges his adaptability. “He has other options if the aggressive approach doesn’t work out,” Smith says. “Replacing a world-class player like KL Rahul speaks volumes about his talent.”