Australia legend Ricky Ponting on Friday (February 11) drew parallels between Rishabh Pant and his former teammate Adam Gilchrist’s approach.
However, Ponting wants the swashbuckling India wicketkeeper to play at least 50-60 Test matches before making any comparisons.
Having been a part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) set-up in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as head coach, Ponting has observed Pant from close quarters.
"Yeah, (they are) little bit the same. I know Rishabh's really burst onto the scene, but let's just let him play his 50-60 Test matches first before we start making comparisons to one of the all-time great wicket-keeper batters," Ponting said on The ICC Review.
The former Australia skipper also pointed out the difference between Rishabh Pant and Gilchrist's behaviour off and on the field.
"But if you think about their personalities - Rishabh is a lot more outward, a lot louder, a lot noisier and ultra-competitive," remarked Ponting.
"Gilly was ultra-competitive as well, but a lot quieter and reserved, until he got his bat in his hand and then he became exactly the same as Rishabh," he added.
Pant had captained Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021 and Ponting explained how both wicketkeepers have a similar approach while batting.
While recalling how Gilchrist played risky shots during crunch situations, Ponting said: "Rishabh will be exactly the same. If you look at Rishabh - I am not sure how many Test hundreds he's got - but he has a few 90s in there. And he's actually got out trying to bring up his hundred with a six. That's the good and the bad, right?"
(With ANI inputs)
