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IIE DIGITAL DESK : Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged a shift in how Rishabh Pant is perceived, asserting the explosive wicketkeeper-batter should be measured against cricket’s elite—not merely compared to Adam Gilchrist. Speaking on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat, Ashwin praised Pant’s evolution, acknowledging his ability to entertain while highlighting the value of composure and cricketing intelligence .

Ashwin, speaking ahead of the third Test in the ongoing England tour of India, emphasized that Pant is no longer a wildcard player. He said Pant now deserves comparisons to the best batsmen in the game, noting, “He has a high‑quality defence… He should be compared with some of the best batters, not Gilchrist. Rishabh Pant can do Pant things.” He pointed out that Pant’s defensive skills actually surpass those of Gilchrist.

This endorsement comes after Pant’s stellar performances in England. He became the first Asian wicketkeeper-batter to score 2,000 Test runs in SENA countries and crafted twin centuries at Headingley—becoming only the second keeper after Andy Flower to record hundreds in both innings of a Test in England. Pant piled on with a brisk 65 off 58 balls at Edgbaston, contributing to India’s commanding 336-run victory .

Ashwin praised Pant’s aggressive flair but urged finer nuance: “I want him to entertain us, but he can do that and show restraint when needed… Pant is not a newbie anymore.” He stressed that Pant’s evolving test sense—knowing when to attack and when to consolidate—is what sets true greats apart .

Supporting this view, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak explained that Pant approaches each innings with clear strategy: “Rishabh actually talks a lot about what he does, when he does, why he does it with me… he doesn’t like to talk too much during his innings because he feels that changes his mindset”.

The broader cricket community echoes Ashwin’s sentiment. Former India coach Greg Chappell described Pant as a “game-changer,” likening his impact to Gilchrist’s. Chappell highlighted Pant’s twin centuries at Headingley as transformative, though he also suggested refining some aggressive strokeplay .

India’s third Test at Lord’s looms large, and while Pant’s aggression is key to India’s strategy, Ashwin’s counsel points to the balance between flair and situational awareness—vital for sustained success in Test cricket. Pant’s recent achievements now place him under elite scrutiny, and Ashwin’s urging is a call for maturity, precision, and leadership.

 With exceptional performances in England under his belt, Rishabh Pant is no longer just an entertaining talent—he is shaping up as a world-class Test batter. Ravichandran Ashwin’s commendation, urging Pant to benchmark himself among cricket’s batting elite, reflects the next phase in Pant’s career: where natural aggression must be married with match intelligence. How Pant responds in the Lord’s Test could define his standing among the game’s modern greats.