Pant is India’s greatest-ever Test wicketkeeper-batter: Manjrekar
The ongoing Test series between India and England has been a thrilling affair, with both teams engaging in a high-scoring battle at Headingley. Amidst the action, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has hailed India’s Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant as India’s greatest-ever Test wicketkeeper-batter by far. Manjrekar’s statement has sent shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity, with many taking to social media to express their opinions on the matter.
Speaking on the second day of the 1st Test at Leeds, Manjrekar praised Pant’s incredible form, stating, “I was worried…that Pant might end up getting his eighth 90 of his career [in India’s first innings at Leeds]…But he’s a breath of fresh air.” The former India cricketer’s remarks are a testament to Pant’s remarkable ability to adapt to different situations and circumstances.
Pant’s impressive display with the bat has been a highlight of the series so far. The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has been a revelation, scoring a century in each of the first two Tests. His knock of 146 runs in the first innings at Headingley, which included 21 fours and 5 sixes, was a display of raw power and finesse. Pant’s ability to take on the English bowling attack, particularly the experienced James Anderson, was a testament to his growing confidence and maturity as a batsman.
It’s not just Manjrekar who has been impressed by Pant’s performances. The wicketkeeper-batter has created history by scoring the most tons by an India wicketkeeper-batter. His tally of six centuries surpasses the previous record held by MS Dhoni, who scored five centuries in his Test career.
Pant’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. He made his Test debut in 2017, but it was his performances in the 2021 series against England that caught the attention of cricket fans worldwide. His aggressive batting style, which combines power and finesse, has been a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by defensive cricket.
The young wicketkeeper-batter’s ability to adapt to different conditions and situations has been a key factor in his success. He has the ability to play both the anchor role and the aggressor, making him a valuable asset to the Indian team. His partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara has been particularly effective, with the two batsmen forming a formidable partnership at the top of the order.
Pant’s impressive form has also led to comparisons with some of the great wicketkeeper-batters of the past. His aggressive batting style is reminiscent of the great Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist, who was known for his innovative approach to batting. Pant’s ability to score quickly and take the game away from the opposition is a trait that Gilchrist possessed in abundance.
Of course, not everyone agrees with Manjrekar’s assessment of Pant as India’s greatest-ever Test wicketkeeper-batter. Some have pointed out that Pant still has a lot to prove, particularly in terms of his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Others have criticized his defensive technique, which has been questioned by some experts.
Despite these criticisms, Pant’s impressive form and ability to adapt to different situations have earned him a lot of respect and admiration from cricket fans worldwide. His partnership with Virat Kohli has been particularly effective, with the two batsmen forming a formidable partnership that has been the bedrock of India’s Test success in recent years.
In conclusion, Manjrekar’s assessment of Pant as India’s greatest-ever Test wicketkeeper-batter is a testament to the young wicketkeeper-batter’s incredible form and ability to adapt to different situations. While there may be some who disagree with this assessment, there is no denying that Pant has been a revelation in the Test arena. His ability to score quickly and take the game away from the opposition has been a breath of fresh air, and his partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara has been particularly effective.
As the series continues, it will be interesting to see how Pant performs in the remaining matches. Will he continue to score big and lead India to victory, or will he struggle against the English bowling attack? Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain – Rishabh Pant has established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the world of cricket.
