Rishabh Pant has, of course, been long touted as MS Dhoni’s natural heir, especially after the former has made the international arena, well and truly his swansong. The comparisons to Dhoni were bound to happen between Pant and Dhoni as both these players had some of their shots striking so much of similarity on so many counts.

Pant would recently equal Dhoni’s record of the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper to keep people debating about his awesomeness. Many fans have even termed him the greatest Indian wicket-keeper of all time.

Former India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik, however, has a different opinion. While hailing Pant as having huge talent, Karthik said that people should not start jumping into conclusions too early. Dhoni’s legacy as a wicket-keeper batter, Karthik feels is unparalleled, more so by the fact that Dhoni did it when it mattered the most for India, whether it was as a player or captain.

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“It’s too early to call Pant India’s best wicket-keeper batter, just after 34 Tests. But whatever it is, the chap is certainly on the right track. Dhoni’s impact goes beyond statistics. Dhoni kept beautifully, scored important runs under pressure and took India to be number one in the Test rankings, winning the World Test Championship mace. Those contributions can’t be forgotten while talking about greatness,_” said Dinesh Karthik of Cricbuzz in an interview.

The most intriguing thing about Pant’s latest century was that he achieved it in Chennai, Dhoni’s IPL home ground. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is known to take fearless approaches and keeps his eye on the game, not letting someone’s comparison or pressure move him.

Rishabh Pant said playing in Dhoni’s iconic territory did pose much significance but also came about to reinforce his individuality in the aftermath of India’s victory in the first Test at Chepauk.

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“This is CSK’s home ground, and Mahi bhai has played a lot here. But for me, I focus on being myself. I don’t let what’s said around me affect my game. The atmosphere was fantastic, and I really enjoyed it,” Rishabh Pant said, reflecting his intent to blaze one’s trail.