‘Rishabh Pant is not even half of Adam Gilchrist’ – Salman Butt wants comparison of the two keepers to be stopped

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been short of runs lately and the youngster is facing backlash for the same. In the ongoing Test series against England, Pant has so far accumulated just 96 runs in six innings with his average being just 16. These numbers aren’t impressive by any means and hence, several fans and experts have criticized him.

Pant has particularly been accused of playing ‘reckless’ shots and not concentrating on the basics. Notably, the youngster’s attacking game has earned him a lot of success in the Test arena. He played some brilliant knocks against Australia and England earlier this year with this approach. Owing to the same, many fans and experts have compared him to Australia’s legendary wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist. However, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt is not of the same opinion.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the southpaw urged everyone to stop comparing Pant and Gilchrist, saying the latter was a world-class player. Butt also opined there aren’t many top-class fast bowlers in modern-day cricket. Hence, comparing the two keepers isn’t justified.

“Please don’t compare a player (Rishabh Pant) with 2-3 years experience with a world-class player like Adam Gilchrist. Gilchrist was outright match-winner. He used to dominate world-class bowlers during his time. Now, only a few top-class pacers are there and Pant has played only a few good knocks so far,” Butt said.

Saying Pant is not even half of the Aussie talisman, Butt asserted that the Indian dasher needs to work on his technique and mindset to sustain for long in the purest format of the game.

Rishabh Pant has to make some changes to his current technique: Salman Butt

“Gilchrist was a big imposing figure and Pant is not even half of Gilchrist. Gilly was a different kind of batsman altogether. Pant has to make some changes to his current technique and make some mental adjustments in Test cricket. He has to set in the crease before going for shots. He doesn’t have plan B which is very necessary on pitches like England,” added Butt.

Meanwhile, the ongoing five-match series between India and England is poised at 1-1 after the first three games. Hence, the winner of the ongoing fourth Test would take an unassailable 2-1 lead. With stakes being this high, both teams must leave no stones unturned to emerge victoriously.