India have their own Adam Gilchrist, says Azhar on Pant
Former Team India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin has heaped his praise on young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant. The 21-year-old, who made his debut for the senior team in August, 2018, has gone on to make a name for himself in Test cricket. Pant's consistency and positive cricket has seen him being likened to former Australia legend Adam Gilchrist by Azhar.
Pant has been instrumental against the Aussies
Pant has been in fine form with the bat in the ongoing Test series against Australia. The young cricketer smashed his second Test career ton in Sydney on Friday. He scored 159* and was instrumental in helping the team go past the 600-run mark. Pant, who has scored a total of 350 runs in this series, has the second best tally.
'India have found a batsman similar to Adam Gilchrist'
Azharuddin spoke to Aaj Tak and praised the southpaw for his batting. "I was surprised that he hit only one six in his unbeaten knock. But he played very well and I feel India have found a batsman similar to Adam Gilchrist." The former skipper noted that Pant will need to develop his keeping skills though.
Pant was instrumental for India at the SCG
The 21-year-old Pant became the the first Asian wicket-keeper to score a ton in Tests in Australia. Pant also registered his best score in Test cricket. He also registered the joint-most number of centuries outside Asia among Asian keepers in Test cricket (2). Pant had slammed a century (114) against England in the fifth Test match at the Oval in September, 2018.
Azhar's view is right: Our take
Pant has miles to go before being compared to Gilly, but he has the right attitude. He has had a great start in Test cricket and that is a positive factor. Gilchrist was respected all around the world and his impact in cricket was monumental. Pant has the aggressive factor that Gilly was known for. He just needs to sharpen his wicket-keeping skills.
