David Gower Praises Rishabh Pant's Elevation of Left-Hand Batting Standards

Manchester, Jul 25 (PTI) David Gower, the former England cricket captain, has given high praise to Rishabh Pant, stating that the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman has elevated the standard for left-hand batters. Gower, widely acclaimed as one of cricket's most stylish left-handed batsmen, was full of admiration for Pant, who batted courageously with a broken foot during the ongoing fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Currently assisting Lancashire Cricket Club during the series, the 68-year-old Gower affirmed his longstanding belief in the elegance of left-handed batsmen. "There's something inherently graceful about left-handed batsmen," Gower noted. "While the likes of Gary Sobers and Brian Lara stood out in my era, today’s talents like Ben Duckett and Rishabh Pant offer a unique charm. It's hard to replicate Pant's style; he’s extraordinary."

An injury threatens to sideline Pant from the remainder of the series, which Gower believes would be a significant loss. "It’s unfortunate if Pant’s injury is severe, as his unheard-of skills elevate the series," Gower lamented. "Players like him can’t be imitated easily, especially not by younger players without risking their careers."

Turning to other promising cricket talents, Gower praised Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, stating that Jaiswal, despite some technical vulnerabilities, shows great promise for India, while Sudharsan has delivered glimpses of brilliance but needs technical refinement.

As a long-time admirer of K L Rahul, Gower praised Rahul’s style. "Rahul’s elegance and composed style have always stood out to me," Gower applauded. "He consistently demonstrates an ability to play shots with remarkable timing."

Gower passionately defended Test cricket, asserting its historical significance akin to preserving wildlife. He called on influential cricket boards like the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia to ensure the format's survival. "Test cricket is like preserving tigers; letting it fade away would be a significant disservice," he argued.

The former cricketer is also engaging in a personal venture, as he has opted to auction memorabilia stored away for decades. Although fond of a particular item, a blue MCC blazer from the 1970s, he confessed his family's accumulated belongings necessitated a clear-out. "That blazer from my 1978 tour holds memories, but it’s time to part with some of these keepsakes," Gower confessed.

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