ENG vs IND: Gavaskar compares unpredictable Rishabh Pant to indomitable Carlos Alcaraz-OxBig News Network

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has drawn a striking comparison between India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and Spain’s tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz, highlighting their shared unpredictability and flair that makes them fan favourites in their respective sports.

Currently in London during India’s ongoing five-match Test series against England, Gavaskar visited the All England Lawn Tennis Club — the venue for Wimbledon — and spoke about the similarities between Pant and the defending champion Alcaraz.

“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,” Gavaskar said in a chat with Star Sports. “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’ve got to expect the unexpected. That’s what makes him so exciting.”

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Gavaskar, a frequent visitor to Wimbledon, revealed that he often finds himself at the tennis courts more than the famed Lord’s Cricket Ground when India isn’t playing there. “Every time I’m in England around this time, I go to Wimbledon, but I hardly go to Lord’s unless India is playing. So yes, one could say I come here more often,” he told former tennis star Vijay Amritraj.

When asked about his pick for the Wimbledon title, Gavaskar said he was torn. “My heart says Djokovic — winning a 25th Grand Slam would be an unbelievable feat. But my mind says Alcaraz.”

Virat Kohli, who recently retired from Test cricket, echoed similar sentiments, rooting for Djokovic while praising both finalists. “We’ve exchanged notes, and Novak has always been gracious. I’d love to see a Djokovic-Alcaraz final, but it would be amazing for Novak to win this one. It’d put him right at the top of the GOAT conversation,” Kohli said.

With tennis and cricket crossing paths this English summer, fans are seeing their heroes from both sports share admiration and sporting spirit — both on and off the field.

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