Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has won a lot of praise from Australian bowling legend Glenn McGrath. Ricky Ponting earlier stated that his style of keeping the wickets reminds him of legendary Adam Gilchrist. Ponting was in close association with Pant as he was the head coach of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. In the latest turn of events, McGrath has also accepted the fact that Pant reminds him of class Aussie keeper Gilchrist.

Pant has often gathered praises for his keeping skills but has failed to impress as a batsman on numerous occasions. He doesn’t value his wicket and starts playing reckless shots where he gets caught. Despite giving several chances, he has not been able to cement his position in India’s line up across different formats. During the ongoing Test, Pant came in to bat at no sixth position during India’s 1st innings and scored 29 runs off 40 balls. He failed to convert his start into a big score.

Rishabh Pant is never afraid to play any shot: McGrath

“Rishabh Pant reminds me of Adam Gilchrist as he plays. Always, he playing shots and is never afraid to play any shot. If you see them at the crease, they always keep doing something,” said McGrath on Sony Sports Network.

Former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar also joined this conversation and stated that Pant should be backed more in international formats. In fact, he is not a player to be ignored. However, he has not been able to do justice to the chances he has been offered so far.

“Glenn just said that he is a bit like Adam Gilchrist. So if he’s got that X-factor, why would you not have him on the team. Ok, in this game, he’s batted at No. 6. So, you’ll always get that from Rishabh Pant. There was bounce on that ball… it was close for him to cut. But you could see how much he’s worked on a pitch against a bowler whom players have to work hard against.

“He’s a young player. When you have that sort of ability and potential in someone, might as well back him as much as you can,” added Agarkar.