Pant to be blamed for India's loss in fourth ODI?
India succumbed to a four-wicket loss in the fourth ODI against Australia at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on Sunday. Despite putting up a competitive total of 358, India failed to defend it. While there are many reasons as to why India lost, one of these points to Rishabh Pant's rusty work behind the stumps. Let us analyze the same.
Pant's sloppy work behind the stumps
As Indian bowlers were struggling to get rid of the Aussies, it was Pant's sloppy work behind the stumps that made things worse. He missed two stumping chances, in one of which he tried to emulate Dhoni's blind flick at the stumps, but he failed miserably. He also called for review for a caught behind, but incidentally, he was wrong while Kohli was livid.
WATCH: Pant's work behind the stumps
Pant shines with the bat
Nonetheless, prior to his wicket-keeping debacle, Pant had a good time with the bat as he scored 36 off 24, including four fours and a six. He was also involved in a 30-run stand with KL Rahul, and a brief 18-run partnership with Kedar Jadhav.
Pant has talent, needs more time and gameplay to settle
The Mohali crowd too was irritated with Pant's wicket-keeping skills as fans chanted Dhoni's name. However, everyone should understand this was his fourth ODI and he needs time to settle down. With age on his side, Pant has enormous time to make an impact for Team India. He is definitely the future of Indian cricket and the management must groom him well.
Is Pant more suited as an opener than middle-order?
Pant is known for his immense power-hitting skills. However, his role as the middle-order batsman seems to be overshadowing his original gameplay. Although he has never really batted as an opener to date, he has made the most impact batting at number five. Nonetheless, with his attacking gameplay, he could well be suited as an opener or at the death.
Pant could draw inspiration from David de Gea
This author understands Pant had a bad day at the office but he shouldn't be disheartened. He can draw inspiration from another sportsperson, David de Gea. David had given away a couple of easy goals in his debut game for United and was criticized for awarding a dolly in the following game. But he has now transformed himself into one of the best custodians.
