India, July 8 -- Rishabh Pant's unconventional flair and fearless strokeplay have often invited comparisons, but few as surprising as the one recently made by former Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammad. Attending Day 4 of the Edgbaston Test between India and England, the 81-year-old likened Pant to Shahid Afridi, a player known more for his white-ball exploits, although he claimed the Indian wicketkeeper was the superior batter with the willow in hand.

The statement, while meant as praise, sparked a contrast that can't be ignored. Afridi, who played just 27 Tests in a decade-long red-ball career, averaged 36.51 with five centuries and eight fifties. Pant, still only 27, already boasts a Test average of 44.45, with more hundreds and half-ce...