Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has heaped praise on Rishabh Pant for his disciplined and mature innings on Day 1 of the first Test between India and England at Headingley, calling it a performance that silenced past criticisms. Pant’s unbeaten 65 off 102 balls, laced with six fours and two sixes, was a key pillar in India’s commanding 359/3 at stumps.
🧠 Gavaskar’s Change of Tone: From “Stupid” to Strategic
Gavaskar, who once famously criticized Pant with the “stupid, stupid, stupid” jibe during a reckless dismissal in Australia, acknowledged the wicketkeeper-batter’s evolution.
“He’s been measured in his approach—giving himself time out in the middle. Once the bowlers tire, that’s when he steps up,” Gavaskar said on Sony Sports.
He also praised Pant’s defensive technique and ability to shift gears, noting that his innings blended restraint with flair, a hallmark of great Test batters.
🏏 A Knock of Maturity and Milestones
- Pant began aggressively, hitting Ben Stokes for a boundary early on
- Then shifted to a cautious phase, scoring just 16 off his next 44 balls
- Reached 3,000 Test runs during the innings
- Shared a 138-run stand with captain Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 127
😂 A Cheeky Callback
In a light-hearted moment, Gavaskar joked during commentary,
“Maybe he’s waiting for me to finish my stint,” referencing the viral “stupid” moment that Pant later recreated with him in a brand ad.
Stay tuned for Day 2 updates from Headingley.
