Chief selector MSK Prasad that the Rishabh Pant is putting himself under the pressure by trying to prove himself as the rightful successor of the great MS Dhoni and somehow that is affecting his career. He should rather back his “unbelievable talent” to bounce back with a bang. Pant was considered as India’s number one wicketkeeper-batsman in all three formats but has failed to keep performing.

With Wriddhiman Saha back in the Test team, he has now lost his place and his place in the limited-overs format has also been questioned because his poor form with the bat and sloppy work behind the stumps. However, the selectors and the team management chose to back him.

“I agree with the both the versions of Rohit and Sunny sir. Rishabh is going through a bit of rough period. He needs a couple of good knocks that can bring him back to his best. I had a discussion with the team management on this and they said that they are seriously working on him to bring him back to his best,” MSK Prasad told PTI.

“With regard to the point raised regarding pressure, Rishabh should definitely realise that pressure is part of this game at this level and the one who comes out of this pressure is a true champion. He has live examples in front of him in Virat and Rohit,” he added.

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MSK Prasad, who was appointed as the selection committee chief in 2016, said Rishabh Pant should never try to fill the place of MS Dhoni.

“Rishabh should also realise that he has his own identity and he should never compare himself with MSD which I feel is working on his mind. MSD has built his career and image playing for over a decade and half. His confidence stems from his stellar performances both at domestic and International levels,” he said.

“Suddenly when one starts comparing himself with that legend, then subconsciously you are putting enormous pressure on yourself. Personally I feel Rishabh is an unbelievable talent and he should believe and back his abilities and instincts rather than stepping into someone else’s shoes,” added the former India wicketkeeper-batsman who had played six Tests and 17 ODIs.

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He even spoke about KL Rahul who didn’t get a lot of opportunities in Tests and lost his place as well but remains a constant in the limited-overs game.

“KL and Rishabh are supremely talented. They are match winners and they can single handedly take the game away from the opposition. Having identified this immense potential in both of them our committee has backed them despite dip in their form. I am sure both of them will bounce back strong from the current form and help Indian team to win many matches in times to come,” he concluded.