Rishabh Pant's Explosive Batting Revolutionizing Cricket, Says Greg Chappell

Greg Chappell: Rishabh Pant is Revolutionizing Cricket

Former India coach Greg Chappell believes that Rishabh Pant is transforming the game of cricket with his unconventional and aggressive batting style. Chappell emphasized Pant's match-winning capabilities, noting his near success at Headingley.

India may have lost the Headingley Test, but Pant's brilliance shone through as he scored centuries in both innings © AFP

Despite India's loss in the Headingley Test, Pant's brilliance was evident as he achieved the remarkable feat of scoring centuries in both innings, underscoring his ability to change the course of a game.

Chappell lauded Pant's batting for its rapid scoring rate, which allows teams ample time to secure victories. "His was a phenomenal performance - some of the shots that he played probably weren't in the MCC coaching manual when I last looked at it. He is reinventing the game as a batsman," Chappell stated, praising the Indian wicketkeeper-batter.

Pant's achievement places him in an elite category, as he became only the second wicketkeeper-batter, following Andy Flower, to achieve a century in each innings of a Test match.

Speaking at a promotional event in Mumbai on Wednesday, Chappell highlighted the impact of modern technology and bat design on Pant's game. He noted that modern bats enable shots that were previously impossible. Chappell added, "But man, he's exciting to watch. You never quite know what to expect from the first ball at any stage. He's likely to jump down the wicket to the fast bowlers, or he'll play the falling ramp shot. You never quite know what to expect, so it keeps the opposition on their toes."

Drawing comparisons, Chappell, considered one of Australia's finest batters after Don Bradman, likened Pant to another iconic wicketkeeper, Adam Gilchrist.

He emphasized the value of having such a dynamic player in the team: "What an exciting cricketer, what a player to have on your team. When I first saw him, he was a different sort of player, of course, but he reminded me very much of Adam Gilchrist. You know the difference that it can make to a team to have a wicketkeeper that can bat at that level and score runs quickly."

Gill's Captaincy Debut

Chappell also commented on Shubman Gill's debut as captain, acknowledging the challenges faced during the Test match. Despite the unfavorable result for India, Chappell recognized several positive aspects and believes Gill will improve with experience. He stated, "It was a terrific Test match. Sadly, India didn't finish up on the correct side, but there were a lot of good things that they did. Shubman Gill had a great start to his career as a Test match captain."

Chappell concluded optimistically, "He will only get better and better as a captain. Had the team taken a few more catches and, maybe, if the tail had wagged a bit stronger in both innings, the result could have been very different. But I think there are four Test matches to go. Let's wait and see, but I think he made a very good start as captain."