Leeds | June 2025 — Rishabh Pant couldn’t help but smile when he heard that cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, once a harsh critic, had now become an admirer.
Six months ago, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pant bore the brunt of Gavaskar’s frustration after throwing away his wicket with a rash shot in the Melbourne Test. The commentary box echoed with Gavaskar’s sharp words:
“Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.”
The incident sparked widespread memes, jokes, and criticism that lingered long after the match. But fast forward to Day 2 of the India vs England Test at Headingley, and the narrative has completely flipped.
This time, Gavaskar was back on the mic as Pant launched a towering six to bring up his 7th Test century—and with it, redemption.
“Superb. Superb. Superb,” said a smiling Gavaskar, clearly impressed by Pant’s transformation.
Pant’s Comeback Trail
Pant’s recent form has silenced critics. After a disappointing run in Australia and an underwhelming IPL season, the wicketkeeper-batter has bounced back with determination. He ended his IPL campaign on a high, smashing 118 runs against RCB for the Lucknow Super Giants, and has now notched back-to-back hundreds in Test cricket.
Pant’s Reaction to Gavaskar’s Praise
When Pant was told about the change in Gavaskar’s commentary tone, he lit up with joy during a conversation with former teammate Cheteshwar Pujara.
“Feeling toh wohi hai jo aapko hai,” Pant quipped with a grin.
“It feels really good that I’ve been able to work on my shortcomings and convert setbacks into comebacks. That was always the plan. I knew I wasn’t up to the mark in certain areas, but I worked hard, stayed focused, and brought discipline into my game. That’s been exciting for me.”
From Criticism to Celebration
The transformation of Pant’s game—both mental and technical—hasn’t just impressed fans, but also those in the commentary box. Gavaskar’s change in tone highlights how effort and evolution in sport can flip perceptions.
For Pant, it’s not just about silencing critics—it’s about proving to himself that he’s capable of resilience, growth, and excellence.