Rishabh Pant will surpass Adam Gilchrist? Former New Zealand legend's no-nonsense verdict

Former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith made a bold statement about Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Ian Smith drew comparisons between Rishabh Pant and legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist, noting similarities in their playing styles.

Rishabh Pant is considered one of cricket's most promising talents in the world. The left-handed batter has scored Test centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa. Adam Gilchrist amassed more than 15,000 runs in international cricket and took over 800 catches as a wicketkeeper during his illustrious cricketing career.

Ian Smith expressed admiration for Rishabh Pant's comeback following a severe car accident in December 2022. Smith stated that Pant has made a strong comeback after the accident, describing him as a dangerous player.

“Rishabh Pant since his accident has come back very strong and he looks in terrific form. He is dynamic. He's aggressive, he's dangerous,” said Smith.

Rishabh Pant made a comeback to cricket after a 15-month hiatus in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The left-handed batter made an impression both as a batsman and wicketkeeper to earn selection in the World Cup squad. Pant has continued his batting form in the World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.

The 26-year-old batter has amassed 116 runs in four matches at an impressive average of 38.66 and a decent strike rate of 131.81. The southpaw will be next seen in action when the Rohit Sharma-led team faces the Bangladesh team at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on Saturday, June 22.

The Number Three Spot Suits Him Well - Ian Smith

The cricketer-turned-commentator noted that Rishabh Pant can be effective with the bat at the top. Smith praised Pant's ability to make an impact from the start of his innings, adding that Pant's inclusion over KL Rahul speaks volumes about his capabilities.

“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.”

“He can hit the first ball he faces out of the ground and he's got other bailout options as well if it doesn't work out that way. I mean, you know, he's replaced a very good player in K L Rahul. KL Rahul is a world-class cricketer. That says it all for me,” he added.

People Will Say Adam Gilchrist And Rishabh Pant - Ian Smith

The 67-year-old stated that it's premature to compare Rishabh Pant with Adam Gilchrist at the moment. Smith mentioned that if Pant maintains his current form and continues to perform consistently, he could come close to matching Gilchrist's legacy in the future.

“Ah yeah, well, he's got a bit to go. But yes, a similar type of cricketer who can, in test cricket, bat down the order. And in white ball cricket can be back at the top of the order. So there's that similarity with Gilchrist there. But if he continues in the same vein for a few more years, then people will say Gilchrist and Pant, yeah, very close."

Also read: "I'm not happy"- Batting Coach Vikram Rathour on Virat Kohli's poor Form in T20 World Cup 2024