IND vs AUS series: Gilchrist predicts World Cup semifinalists and praises Rishabh Pant
IND vs AUS series: Former Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist has shared his predictions for the World Cup semifinalists as Australia prepares for an ODI series against India. Additionally, he had high praise for Rishabh Pant.
Gilchrist, who is deeply impressed by Rishabh Pant's contributions to Indian cricket, believes that the young wicketkeeper-batsman has become an inspiration to wicket-keeper batters worldwide. Unfortunately, Pant won't be participating in the upcoming ICC World Cup due to a series of injuries sustained in a serious car accident last year.
Currently undergoing rehabilitation in Bengaluru, Pant has maintained an active presence on social media. He was unable to participate in the entire 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, and the recently concluded Asia Cup. However, there are expectations that the talented wicketkeeper-batsman will make a competitive cricket comeback next year.
Gilchrist noted Pant's influence on wicket-keeper batters globally, saying, "I think Rishabh has inspired a lot of wicket-keeper batters around the world to play that way (he does). It is fascinating for such a young man to have such an impact that Rishabh has had, and others are responding and playing in that positive manner."
He also commended Ishan Kishan, who secured his place in the Indian squad after an impressive performance in the Asia Cup 2023. For the ICC World Cup, India has options in Kishan and the versatile KL Rahul as wicketkeepers. Kishan showcased his talent with an aggressive 82 against Pakistan, while Rahul earned his place with a stunning century during the Asia Cup's Super 4 stage.
Gilchrist weighed in on the Kishan vs. Rahul debate, saying, "They (India) are well stocked. They have got a couple of options there, obviously when KL was out with his injury, Ishan Kishan took his opportunity and played really well, and now they find themselves in the team together, so that's a wonderful case of taking an opportunity."
"Being positive and then forcing the selectors into keeping you in the team, so it seems like KL is gonna be the one who is going to continue with the gloves, but it does not seem to hinder Ishan Kishan's batting; he seems to be playing really well, carefree, attacking, and dangerous," he added.
Regarding the upcoming ODI series against Australia, Rahul, who is part of the Indian squad as a wicketkeeper-batsman, will also lead the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma. India will host Australia for a three-match series in preparation for the World Cup.
Gilchrist, a three-time World Cup winner with Australia, shared his predictions for the four semifinalists in the upcoming tournament in India. "I think India and Pakistan could feature in the semi-finals, Australia and England are another two teams," Gilchrist predicted.
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- With inputs from agencies
