Rishabh Pant: Cricket Game-Changer Revolutionizing Batting, Says Greg Chappell

Former India coach Greg Chappell has lauded Rishabh Pant for his revolutionary approach to batting, suggesting he is reinventing the game. Chappell emphasized Pant's match-winning capabilities, recalling his significant impact during the Headingley Test.

Rishabh Pant's brilliant centuries in both innings at Headingley © AFP

Despite India's loss at Headingley, Pant's exceptional performance, marked by centuries in both innings, underscored his ability to change the game's dynamic.

Chappell highlighted the significance of Pant's rapid scoring rate, which provides teams with a crucial advantage in winning matches. "His was a phenomenal performance," Chappell noted, adding that some of Pant's shots defied traditional coaching manuals.

Pant's achievement of scoring a century in each innings of a Test match places him among cricket's elite, joining Andy Flower as the only wicketkeeper-batters to accomplish this feat.

Speaking at a promotional event in Mumbai, Chappell acknowledged the influence of modern technology and bat design on enabling shots previously deemed impossible. However, he emphasized Pant's unique ability to surprise and unsettle opponents. "You never quite know what to expect from the first ball at any stage," Chappell said, praising Pant's unpredictable approach.

Drawing parallels with Adam Gilchrist, another iconic wicketkeeper, Chappell recognized Pant's potential to transform a team's dynamics. He lauded Pant as an "exciting cricketer" and a valuable asset to any team.

Shubman Gill's Captaincy Debut

Chappell also commented on Shubman Gill's debut as captain, acknowledging the challenging conditions and the lessons learned from the Test match. He believes Gill will improve with experience. Chappell noted that missed catches and a weak performance from the tail end impacted the result, but expressed optimism for the remaining Test matches.