Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has drawn an intriguing parallel between Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz, highlighting their shared “expect the unexpected” quality.
When Cricket Stars Grace Wimbledon
As Wimbledon unfolds alongside the exciting India vs England Test series, many prominent cricketers have been spotted enjoying the tennis action at the iconic All England Lawn Tennis Club. From Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane to Sunil Gavaskar himself and Rishabh Pant, the crossover appeal is clear.
The “Unexpected” Charm of Pant and Alcaraz
Speaking to Star Sports and JioHotstar, Sunil Gavaskar shared his unique take on why Rishabh Pant and Carlos Alcaraz are remarkably similar. He noted Alcaraz’s exceptional movement and his wide array of shots, often likening him to a showman on court.
Gavaskar pointed out that Alcaraz, much like Pant, might opt for a risky drop shot when a simpler finish seems evident. “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,” Gavaskar explained, capturing the essence of their thrilling appeal to fans.
Gavaskar’s Wimbledon Affinity
The veteran cricketer also shared his personal connection to Wimbledon. He revealed that he makes it a point to visit the tournament whenever he’s in England during this time of year, often more frequently than he attends a Test match at Lord’s, unless India is playing there.
When asked about his picks for the winner, Gavaskar expressed a desire for Novak Djokovic to claim his 25th Grand Slam title, a historic achievement. However, his practical assessment leaned towards Alcaraz, especially considering Jannik Sinner’s potential injury status.
A Timely Parallel: Pant’s Recent Setback
Gavaskar’s comments about Pant’s unpredictable style come at a relevant time for the Indian star. During the third Test against England at Lord’s, Pant had to leave the field after sustaining a blow to his left hand.
He was subsequently replaced behind the stumps by Dhruv Jurel, who was not part of the initial playing XI for the match. This incident, while unfortunate, further underscores the dynamic and often challenging nature of Pant’s high-energy game.
- Sunil Gavaskar compares Rishabh Pant and Carlos Alcaraz due to their “expect the unexpected” playing styles.
- Both athletes are described as exciting “showmen” who thrill audiences with their unpredictable decisions.
- Gavaskar is a regular visitor to Wimbledon, often more so than Lord’s (unless India is playing).
- Rishabh Pant recently sustained a hand injury during the India vs England Test, highlighting the demands of his role.
The parallels drawn by Gavaskar highlight the electrifying appeal of athletes who dare to be different, consistently keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
