Rishabh Pant
Former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith praised Rishabh Pant for his terrific, dynamic, aggressive, and dangerous form since returning from a near-fatal car accident in December 2022.

Former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith praised Rishabh Pant for his outstanding form since returning to competitive cricket after a near-fatal car accident in December 2022. Pant emerged as the leading run-scorer for Delhi Capitals in the 2024 IPL and secured a place in India’s T20 World Cup squad. During the tournament, he delivered crucial performances against Ireland, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, showcasing his dynamic and aggressive batting style.

Smith highlighted Pant’s versatility and his ability to support key players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He emphasized that Pant’s aggressive approach and capacity to hit big shots make him a significant asset to the team. Smith also noted that Pant’s ability to replace a world-class player like KL Rahul speaks volumes about his talent and value to the squad.

“Rishabh Pant since his accident has come back very strong, and he looks in terrific form. He is dynamic. He’s aggressive, he’s dangerous. He can compliment who’s with him, whether he comes in to support Kohli or whether he comes in to support Rohit Sharma, so three is a good spot for him because I firmly believe that in white-ball cricket your best players should have the opportunity to face the most deliveries. And so that’s what makes him valuable,” Smith was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

“He can hit the first ball he faces out of the ground, and he’s got other bailout options as well if it doesn’t work out that way. I mean, you know, he’s replaced a very good player in KL Rahul. KL Rahul is a world-class cricketer. That says it all for me,” he added.

READ ALSO | Sanjay Manjrekar Hails Rishabh Pant as India’s Best Batter in T20 World Cup 2024

Smith further acknowledged that Rishabh Pant shares some similarities with legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist. He noted that both cricketers have the versatility to bat down the order in Test cricket and at the top in white-ball formats.

“Ah year, well, he’s got a bit to go. But yes, a similar type of cricketer who can, in Test cricket, bat down the order. And in white-ball cricket, can be back at the top of the order. So, there’s that similarity with Gilchrist there. But if he continues in the same vein for a few more years, then people will say Gilchrist and Pant, yeah, very close,” the former cricketer concluded.

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Last Updated on June 22, 2024

Senior Sports Copywriter