Rishabh Pant is 'Reinventing' Cricket, Says Greg Chappell, Following Heroic Test Display

Rishabh Pant is not just playing cricket; he's revolutionizing it. According to Greg Chappell, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter is redefining the sport with his unconventional and match-winning approach.

India may have faced defeat in the Headingley Test, but Pant's exceptional performance, marked by centuries in both innings, highlighted his ability to change the game's trajectory.

Rishabh Pant celebrates a century during the Headingley Test © AFP

"The beauty of it is that he gets his runs at a very fast rate, which gives you time to win cricket matches," Chappell noted. He further added, "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."

Pant's unique achievement places him among the cricketing elite, as he became only the second wicketkeeper-batter, after Andy Flower, to achieve the remarkable feat of scoring a century in each innings of a Test match.

Chappell emphasized the impact of modern technology and bat innovation, enabling shots previously deemed impossible. "But man, he's exciting to watch," Chappell exclaimed. "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 to another iconic wicketkeeper, Adam Gilchrist, Chappell highlighted the value Pant brings to any team. "What an exciting cricketer, what a player to have on your team," he said. "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."

Shubman Gill's Captaincy Debut

Chappell also commented on Shubman Gill's debut as captain, acknowledging his promising start and potential for growth. "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."

He added, "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."