Greg Chappell compares Rishabh Pant with Adam Gilchrist

Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell has heaped praise on Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, stating that his bold and entertaining approach to Test cricket is “reinventing the game.” Chappell, known for his deep understanding of the sport, highlighted how Pant’s aggressive style adds a refreshing dimension to red-ball cricket, blending flair with effectiveness. Pant, who made a stunning return to the longest format, struck twin centuries in the opening Test of the five-match series against England at Headingley.

Greg Chappell draws comparisons between Rishabh Pant and Adam Gilchrist

Pant scored 134 runs off 178 deliveries in the first innings and followed it up with a blistering 118 from just 140 balls in the second. His fearless strokeplay and ability to take the attack to the bowlers under pressure allowed India to post strong totals in both innings—471 in the first and 364 in the second. His efforts were central to India’s strategy and momentum throughout the match. Despite his brilliance, India failed to convert their advantage into a win, as England chased down a record fourth-innings target of 471, clinching the match by five wickets. While the result did not go India’s way, Pant’s performance stood out as one of the highlights of the game, earning admiration from cricketing greats like Chappell.

“The beauty is Rishabh gets runs at a very fast rate which gives you time to win cricket matches. His was a phenomenal performance. Some of the shots he played weren’t in the MCC playing manual. He is really reinventing the game as a batter. With modern technology, the bats are very different and you can play shots which weren’t possible with the old bats. He's exciting to watch,” stated former Australian captain Greg Chappell. 

Greg Chappell went on to compare Rishabh Pant with legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist, drawing parallels between their fearless and game-changing styles. Chappell noted that, much like Gilchrist, Pant possesses the rare ability to turn the tide of a match with his aggressive intent and unorthodox shot-making. He highlighted how Pant’s bold approach—though unconventional by traditional Test standards—makes him a true match-winner for India. Chappell believes that Pant’s instinctive play and natural flair break the mold of classical Test batting, adding a modern, dynamic edge to the game.

According to Chappell, Pant’s presence at the crease forces opposition bowlers to rethink their strategies, creating pressure and openings for his team. He emphasized that Pant’s willingness to take risks and dominate even in high-stakes situations is what sets him apart and makes him such a vital asset in the Indian Test setup, especially in overseas conditions.

“When I first saw him, he reminded me of Adam Gilchrist. A different sort of player, of course, but the difference it can make to a team when a wicketkeeper can bat at that level and to score runs quickly. You never quite know what to expect from him from the first ball. At any stage, he is likely to jump down the wicket to the fast bowlers or play the falling ramp shot. You never quite know what to expect. It keeps the opposition on their toes. He is a match-winner (and he) very nearly made the difference in that game," added Chappell.

Rishabh Pant’s remarkable performances in the opening Test against England helped him script a significant milestone in Indian cricket history. With his twin centuries—134 in the first innings and 118 in the second—Pant surpassed MS Dhoni’s record of six Test centuries, becoming the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test tons. His eighth hundred in the format reaffirmed his stature as one of the most impactful modern-day batters in red-ball cricket. Pant’s counter-attacking style and fearless stroke play kept India in the game and played a key role in them posting competitive totals across both innings at Headingley.

Despite his heroics with the bat, India could not translate individual brilliance into a team win. England, showcasing resilience and flair, successfully chased down a challenging 371-run target in the fourth innings. The defeat meant India fell behind 0-1 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. While Pant’s achievement stood out, the loss also highlighted the importance of collective performance and missed opportunities, especially in the field, which ultimately helped England seize the momentum. Pant’s centuries, though historic, couldn’t prevent India from suffering a disappointing defeat after holding the upper hand for much of the match.