Former Australia wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist feels Rishabh Pant’s impact has changed Indian wicketkeeper batters’ mindset. Pant, who is currently out of action due to a freak accident he suffered earlier in the year, is well known to turn the match on its head.
The left-hander played a key role in India’s success in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 Test series win against Australia while playing Downunder. Pant has performed consistently in Test matches, especially while playing in overseas conditions.
Pant has scored 2271 runs in 33 Test matches at an average of 43.67 whereas he has amassed 865 runs in 30 ODI matches at an average of 34.6. The pugnacious southpaw batter has an impressive strike rate of 73.61 in Test matches and he is known to take the attack on the opposition.
“I think Rishabh has inspired a lot of wicket-keeper batters around the world to play that [aggressive] way. 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,” Gilchrist, who is in India on a promotional visit, told PTI.
Meanwhile, in the absence of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul will be India’s first choice wicket-keeper bat in the World Cup. Rahul made an impressive return to action in the recently concluded Asia Cup as he scored a total of 169 runs in three innings of the Asia Cup at an impressive average of 84.50 and a strike rate of 89.42.
Furthermore, Ishan Kishan scored a fine knock of 82 runs against Pakistan in the group stage when India was under the pump at 66-4.
“They [India] are well stocked,” Gilchrist said. “They have got a couple of [wicketkeeping] options there, obviously, when KL was out with his injury, Ishan Kishan took his opportunity and played really well, and now they find themselves in the team together so that’s a wonderful case of taking an opportunity.
“Being positive, and then, forcing the selectors into keeping you in the team [is impressive]. 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.”
India will take on Australia in the first ODI at Mohali on Friday.
