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'About Hero Factor': Ex-New Zealand Cricketer Gives New Angle To Rishabh Pant And MSD Comparison

Rishabh Pant in first Test in Chennai (PTI)Rishabh Pant in first Test in Chennai (PTI)

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has made a stunning return to Test cricket after 2022. He marked his comeback in style with a century against Bangladesh in the first Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

Pant's century in the first innings of the Chennai Test not only guided India to a comfortable win but also saw him match an important milestone. With this hundred, the southpaw equalled Dhoni's record of six Test centuries as a wicketkeeper-batter for India.

The comparison between Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni has been a topic of conversation within the cricket fraternity, with experts weighing in on who holds the title of India’s greatest wicketkeeper-batter. Former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith shared his thoughts on the matter and acknowledged Pant's immense talent and potential.

Ian Smith Shares His Thoughts On Rishabh Pant And MS Dhoni Comparison

In an interview with talkSPORT Cricket, Smith praised Rishabh Pant’s attitude and batting prowess but pointed out that Pant still has a long way to go before he can be considered in the same league as Dhoni.

He further emphasized that Dhoni's 'hero factor' and the massive shoes that Pant is trying to fill still have time, given the legacy that Dhoni left behind as India’s captain and wicketkeeper-batter.

"I like Pant as a cricketer. It's an extremely important role and he's got massive shoes to fill because they've had a revolving door since Dhoni to be perfectly honest. You talk about hero factor, it's pretty hard to go past MS. But once you reach a certain stage in Indian cricket and you start to perform at the international level, your life changes dramatically. You become a superstar beyond anything most sporting people would be akin to," he said on talkSPORT cricket.

Smith also pointed out that he may still need to be the best wicketkeeper in world cricket. However, he praised Pant’s work ethic and determination to improve his glovework, noting that the young cricketer has made significant strides in that area.

"Rishabh Pant… I like him because he's just got that attitude. He's not going to run away from a fight. If you ask him to open, he'll open. If you ask him to bat at 5, he'll do it. He is probably not the best gloveman the world has ever seen but he is working on it, getting better at it. And that's efficient because you spend so much of your day standing close to the stumps. He is a given for me. He is Gilchrist-like in that regard. I rate him very highly," said Smith.

As India prepares for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, Pant’s role in the side will be crucial. The team will be keen to build on the momentum from their dominant win in Chennai, and Pant’s form with the bat and behind the stumps could prove crucial in India’s quest to secure the series.