Australia vs India 2018: 'I Would Happily Pay to Watch Rishabh Pant Play' - Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist was one of a kind, be it for his batting or his wicketkeeping. Not many could come close to achieving what he had done in cricket. Meanwhile, the Australia veteran has made a huge remark on Rishabh Pant. In the ongoing Test series, Pant was among the news, not necessarily for his batting, but for his banters behind the wickets. However, with his second hundred in Tests at the SCG, he hogged all the limelight. Also, Adam Gilchrist praised the youngster.

He can be an asset in Tests, feels Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist was of the opinion that Rishabh Pant could be an asset for India in Tests. The former great said Pant has in him to make it big in the Test cricket. Referring to his Sydney Test ton (159*), Adam added he would actually pay to watch Rishabh Pant play, as he looks exciting.

Speaking to foxsports.com.au, Gilly said a few of Pant’s shots were so beautiful to the eyes.

“He played a beautiful innings… We probably all expected him to bat aggressively from ball one but he showed he can build an inning and then by the end of it allowed himself to play with all the freedom that we know he’s got. It was entertaining. He’s a cricketer that I would happily pay to watch.”

Meanwhile, it’s not been long since Pant entered the Test arena. During the third Test in Nottingham early this year,  the 21-year old made his debut against England. In only his third Test at the Oval, Pant scored his maiden hundred, that too in the second innings. Later, in the two Tests against the Windies at home, the Delhi youngster came close on completing centuries but failed in his attempt. However, on the current tour Down Under, the left-handed batsman was unable to hit the top gear until the Sydney Test began.

Completing his second hundred in the red-ball format, Pant broke a few records. He had gone past MS Dhoni’s record of 148 on the away tour; he had hit against Pakistan a decade back.

Gilchrist hopeful of Pant doing wonders in keeping

Of late only, Pant had achieved a few accolades concerning the wicket-keepers. During the final day of the MCG Test, Pant had grabbed 20 catches, most by an Indian wicket-keeper in Test series; breaking Syed Kirmani and Naren Tamhane’s record.

Though a few questions have been raised over his glovework, Adam Gilchrist thinks Pant would evolve into a brilliant wicket-keeper in the future.

“Although he’s missed a few opportunities with the gloves, he’s certainly held onto more than he’s spilled. If he’s prepared to work on his game, I’m sure he’ll develop and become a really reliable keeper,” Gilchrist said.

“He’s a cricketer that is at the start of his journey so he’ll learn these particular parts of the game and he’ll learn that there’s always more time than what you think, but he’s got a great foundation to be a successful Test cricketer,” he added.