The young Indian wicket-keeper batsman, Rishabh Pant has failed to make a mark for himself in ODIs and T20Is as he averages in the low 20s in both the formats. He has often faced criticism for the way he has dismissed in limited-overs cricket. The southpaw has often had to face brickbats for his poor shot selection that has led to his dismissal on numerous instances.
Following India’s campaign in the World Cup, it can be expected that Pant would be the successor of MS Dhoni. he has raised the expectations of the Indian fans in IPL but he is yet to materialize his talent at the highest level. After the mega event in England and Wales, apart from his half-century against the West Indies in the third T20I, Pant has failed more often than not.
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In the recent T20I home series against South Africa, the young southpaw could manage only 23 runs and get out to playing irresponsible shots. Even as he has received support from some of the former cricketers, he has been faced some harsh criticism as well. However, the Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has taken the responsibility of helping Pant get his form back.
Ravi Shastri with Rishabh Pant
During a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Shastri said, “Don’t say team management, I spoke about ‘the rap on the knuckles’. If someone goofs up, I have to pull them up. Am I there only to play tabla? But this guy is world-class, this guy can be destructive, can be a destroyer. And we will give him all the support that he needs to prosper in international cricket.”
Shastri reckons that Rishabh is a genuine match-winner and the team management needs to show some patience with the youngster. As per the head coach, Pant has done his bit thus far and will only get better with learnings.
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The Indian head coach elaborated, “Pant is different, he is world-class and is a brutal match-winner. Very few around in the world game; I can’t pick five on my hands when it comes to white-ball cricket, T20 cricket. So, the patience we will have with him is a lot. Pant is a special kid and he has already done enough. And he is only going to learn. This team management will back him to the hilt.”
