Legendary Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has heaped praise on Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, acknowledging the profound impact Pant has had on wicket-keeper batters worldwide. Despite Pant’s absence from the ICC World Cup due to a serious car accident, his dynamic and aggressive style of play continues to resonate with players across the globe.
Rishabh Pant, who is presently undergoing rehabilitation in Bengaluru following the accident, has been a prominent figure on social media. Although he missed the entire IPL 2023 season, the ICC World Test Championship final, and the recent Asia Cup, Pant is anticipated to make a comeback to competitive cricket next year.
Gilchrist expressed his admiration for Pant, stating, “I think Rishabh has inspired a lot of wicket-keeper batters around the world to play that way (he does). It is fascinating for such a young man to have such an impact that Rishabh has had, and others are responding and playing in that positive manner.”
Furthermore, Gilchrist lauded Ishan Kishan, another promising Indian wicketkeeper-batsman who impressed during the Asia Cup 2023. Kishan and the versatile KL Rahul are India’s wicketkeeping options for the ICC World Cup. Gilchrist commended Kishan for seizing the opportunity and performing well when KL Rahul was unavailable due to injury.
“They (India) are well stocked. They have got a couple of options there, obviously when KL was out with his injury, Ishan Kishan took his opportunity and played really well,” Gilchrist commented. “It seems like KL is gonna be the one who is going to continue with the gloves, but it does not seem to hinder Ishan Kishan’s batting; he seems to be playing really well, carefree, attacking, and dangerous.”
Regarding the ICC World Cup, Gilchrist offered his predictions, suggesting that India, Pakistan, Australia, and England are strong contenders for the semi-finals. He shared his insights into the tournament, keeping fans eager for what promises to be an exciting cricket spectacle in India.
