Karthik weighs in on Pant vs Dhoni debate in Tests
What's the story
Rishabh Pant, who recently returned to the field after a car accident, was instrumental to India's win in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. His century on Day 3 was instrumental in stabilizing India's position after early dismissals of top-order batters. This performance led him to equal MS Dhoni's record for most centuries as a wicket-keeper batter for India in Test cricket, sparking comparisons between the two players.
Expert opinion
Karthik urges patience in judging Pant's legacy
Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has weighed in on the ongoing debate, urging fans to give Pant more time before drawing conclusions. "It's very unacceptable to say that he's played 34 Tests and he's already India's greatest wicketkeeper-batter," Karthik stated during a Cricbuzz discussion. He acknowledged Pant's potential but emphasized the need for patience in assessing his legacy.
Legacy reminder
Karthik highlights Dhoni's contributions to Indian cricket
Karthik also highlighted Dhoni's significant contributions to Indian cricket, including his leadership in securing the World Test Championship mace. "Don't discount Dhoni's credentials as a wicketkeeper as well," he said. He reminded fans of Dhoni's batting prowess and strategic acumen that led India to numerous victories. Despite these achievements, Karthik acknowledged that Pant has shown exceptional promise in Test cricket.
Career stats
Pant vs Dhoni: A comparison of Test cricket statistics
Dhoni's Test career spanned 90 matches, during which he scored 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09 with six centuries and 33 half-centuries. He also holds the record for fifth most dismissals in this format (294). On the other hand, Pant has played 34 matches so far, scoring 2,419 runs at an average of 44.79 with six centuries and 11 half-centuries. He is currently India's third most successful wicket-keeper in Tests with 134 dismissals to his name.
Diverse views
Other cricket experts share their views on Pant vs Dhoni
The debate has also drawn comments from other cricket experts. Aakash Chopra opined that Pant is already "India's greatest wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket," while Sanjay Manjrekar described him as a different class of player and probably the best wicket-keeper in Test history in terms of batting. However, Ajay Jadeja cautioned against comparing the two players, stating that they each brought unique abilities to the team during their respective eras.