In a statement that has sparked widespread debate in cricket circles across the subcontinent, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has compared India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant to legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, calling Pant “the Indian Afridi in terms of his fearless and game-changing approach.”
The Bold Comparison: What Did Salman Butt Say?
Speaking on his YouTube channel during an analysis of India’s ongoing Test and limited overs tours, Butt said:
“Rishabh Pant reminds me of Shahid Afridi. The way he bats – his intent, unpredictability, and ability to change the match within a few overs – is just like Afridi. Sometimes he will get out cheaply, but when he fires, the opposition can do nothing.”
He further elaborated:
- Pant’s fearless strokeplay under pressure makes him invaluable in all formats.
- Like Afridi, Pant does not let failures affect his mindset or confidence in the next innings.
- Both possess a “match-winning aura even if they fail multiple times in between.”
Why The Rishabh Pant-Afridi Comparison Resonates
1. Fearless Approach
Both Afridi and Pant have been known to:
- Attack world-class bowlers from ball one.
- Play unorthodox and high-risk shots without worrying about criticism.
- Turn matches with quick cameos of 30-40 runs that shift momentum instantly.
2. Inconsistency Balanced By Impact
While critics often highlight their lack of consistency, supporters argue:
| Player | Career Format | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Match Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahid Afridi | ODIs | 23.57 | 117.00 | Explosive cameos, quick wickets as all-rounder |
| Rishabh Pant | Tests | 43.67 | 73.62 | Game-changing counter-attacks in overseas Tests |
Afridi’s long ODI career included sporadic match-winning innings interspersed with failures, while Pant’s Test career has already seen historic knocks in Australia and England that turned series in India’s favour.
3. Fan Following And Entertainment Factor
Both players have attracted massive fan bases for their fearless brand of cricket, often being termed entertainers regardless of format.
Rishabh Pant’s Journey: Overcoming Adversity
The comparison comes at a time when Pant is scripting an inspirational comeback:
- In December 2022, Pant survived a near-fatal car accident, leading to multiple surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation.
- He returned in IPL 2025, leading Delhi Capitals with renewed fitness, reflexes, and trademark aggression.
- His recent ODI and Test performances have showcased improved shot selection while retaining his fearless intent.
Shahid Afridi: A Legacy Of Aggression
Afridi, who debuted in 1996 as a 16-year-old with a record-breaking 37-ball ODI century, built his reputation on:
- Being a six-hitting machine (351 ODI sixes, still among the highest in world cricket).
- Delivering surprise match-winning spells as a leg-spinner.
- Leading Pakistan in multiple ICC events with unpredictable strategies.
Similarities And Differences
| Attribute | Rishabh Pant | Shahid Afridi |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Role | Wicketkeeper-batsman | Batting all-rounder |
| Batting Position | Middle-order (4-6) | Top/middle-order (3-7) |
| Bowling Contribution | None | Leg-spin bowler with 395 international wickets |
| Style | Left-handed aggressive strokeplay | Right-handed explosive hitter |
| X-Factor | Reverse sweeps, fearless counter-attack | Big sixes, surprise bowling spells |
Indian Fans React To The Comparison
While many fans welcomed Butt’s remarks as a compliment to Pant’s impact, others felt the comparison was imperfect due to Afridi’s all-round abilities. Social media reactions included:
- “Afridi was unique, but Pant is in a league of his own with those Test knocks in Australia and England.”
- “Both are entertainers. Cricket needs players like Afridi and Pant who redefine batting limits.”
- “If Pant can add consistency, he will surpass Afridi in overall contribution.”
Expert Opinions On The Comparison
Sanjay Manjrekar, former India batsman and commentator, remarked during a recent broadcast:
“Pant is an outlier in Indian cricket. His approach is closer to Gilchrist but Afridi’s unpredictability and impact factor is a fair parallel.”
Ramiz Raja, former PCB chairman, added:
“It is a flattering comparison for Pant. Afridi’s six-hitting aura was unmatched, but Pant has the talent to become the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the world if he stays fit.”
Pant’s Upcoming Challenges
Rishabh Pant is set to play a crucial role in:
- India’s ongoing Test series against Bangladesh as the designated wicketkeeper-batsman.
- World Test Championship Final 2025, where his counter-attacking batting will be pivotal.
- India’s ODI plans as selectors aim to groom him for leadership roles post-Rohit Sharma era.
What Makes Pant Stand Out
- Ability to dominate bowlers even on challenging tracks (e.g. Gabba 2021, Oval 2021).
- Fearless mindset under pressure, rarely seen in traditional Indian batting templates.
- Charismatic on-field presence, often uplifting teammates during tense situations.
Conclusion
Salman Butt’s comparison of Rishabh Pant with Shahid Afridi underlines the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman’s growing stature as a match-winner who entertains and delivers under pressure. While their roles differ technically, their shared ability to turn games within minutes makes them invaluable to their teams and beloved among fans.
As Pant continues his comeback journey post-injury, only time will reveal whether he can replicate Afridi’s longevity while crafting his own unique legacy in Indian and world cricket.
Disclaimer: This news content is for informational reporting purposes only. Readers are advised to follow official match broadcasts, interviews, and ICC statistics for real-time updates on player performance, selections, and expert analyses.
