Sunil Gavaskar says you expect the unexpected with Rishabh Pant, compares wicket-keeper with Carlos Alcaraz

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar said Rishabh Pant’s batting is unpredictable just like World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz’s shots. Pant has been in fine form in the ongoing tour of England as he scored twin centuries at Leeds, Headingley.

The left-hander returned with scores of 134 and 118 in the opening Test but his efforts went in vain as India suffered a five-wicket loss. Pant also scored an attacking knock of 65 runs off just 58 balls in the second innings of the second Test at Edgbaston, which India won by 336 runs.

However, Pant suffered a blow to his index finger on the opening day of the third Test match at Lord’s on Thursday and in his place, Dhruv Jurel kept the wickets for India.

On the other hand, Carlos Alcaraz recently won the Roland Garros after beating World No.1 Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set contest. The Spaniard was able to save three championship points in the fourth set before going all the way in Paris.

Alcaraz has made it to his third consecutive Wimbledon semifinal and he will face Taylor Fritz on Friday. Gavaskar said Alcaraz is a showman as he likes to play unpredictable shots.

Speaking to Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar said while visiting Centre Court at Wimbledon, “Alcaraz is moving around so well, and he’s got all the shots in the book. He can be a bit of a showman sometimes, trying those drop shots when you think he should be finishing the point. But that’s what people come to watch, it’s like watching Rishabh Pant. With Pant, you have to expect the unexpected. Similarly, with Alcaraz, you have got to expect the unexpected. That’s what makes him so exciting.”

Meanwhile, England ended the opening day at 251-4 with Joe Root unbeaten on 99.