ENG vs IND 2025: ‘Alcaraz is like Rishabh Pant’ – Sunil Gavaskar draws Pant-Alcaraz similarity

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar made a comparison between two modern-day sporting sensations, Rishabh Pant and Carlos Alcaraz. As both athletes shine in their respective sports, Gavaskar mentioned their shared ability to thrill audiences by doing the unexpected. The former Indian opener’s revelation came during his attendance at Wimbledon 2025, where even Pant was seen enjoying the tennis match.

Wimbledon 2025 has been a star-studded affair, with celebrities and sports personalities from around the globe being present at the Royal Box. Among them were Indian cricket stars like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, and, notably, Pant, who made an appearance at the All England Club just a day after featuring in the second Test against England at Edgbaston.

Speaking to Star Sports, Gavaskar shared his fondness for Wimbledon and discussed his admiration for both Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. While expressing his desire to see Djokovic win his 25th Grand Slam title, he admitted that Alcaraz’s game makes him a serious contender.

“Every time I am in England around this time, I go to Wimbledon, but I hardly go to Lord’s if India isn’t playing there. So yes, one could say that I come here more often than I go to Lord’s. I would like Djokovic to win because it would be his 25th Grand Slam title. Nobody has ever won 25 majors, so that would be fantastic. My heart says Djokovic, but I guess my mind says Alcaraz.

Also, Alcaraz, simply because I think Sinner is injured. Whether he’s going to be 100% for the remainder of the tournament, we don’t know. 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. 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 have to expect the unexpected. That’s what makes him so exciting,” Gavaskar said.

You want to experience something as a fan as well: Pant

Meanwhile, Pant also opened up about his love for tennis and his experience at Wimbledon. He shared that coming to the All England Club brought him excitement and inspiration.

“A lot of things. The first thing that comes to mind is excitement. You want to experience something as a fan as well, because we are always playing cricket. But here, you get to watch someone who can inspire you. That inspiration comes from athletes, the kind who play tennis. It’s amazing. And I finally get to dress well! We are usually in shorts and t-shirts, so wearing a suit feels good sometimes,” Pant said.

He also revealed that Roger Federer is his all-time favourite, particularly admiring the Swiss legend’s backhand. From the current crop, Pant named Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the ones he enjoys watching most.

“One thing I would take is a mindset. You can play any sport, but if your mindset isn’t right, you can’t make it to the top. That’s the difference between a good player and an excellent one. It sets you apart,” the southpaw concluded.