Rohit Sharma lashes out at critics regarding Rishabh Pant
India's young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has been the focus of media and fans of late. The southpaw has been facing a lot of flak for not quite putting in the performances expected from him. Ahead of India's third T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday, skipper Rohit Sharma lashed out at the critics. Here are further details regarding the same.
Pant has faced intense criticisms of late
Pant has been criticized heavily for his shot selection on several occasions in white-ball cricket. On Thursday, he became the centre of unwanted attention due to his poor work behind the stumps in the second T20I against Bangladesh in Rajkot. Fans weren't happy with Pant and questioned his presence in the team on social media sites. However, Rohit went on to defend the youngster.
'Would request everyone to keep their eyes away from Pant'
Rohit said Pant needs to be left alone and asked everyone to stay away. "There is a lot of talk happening about Rishabh Pant every day, every minute," Rohit said. "I just feel that he needs to be allowed to do what he wants to do on the field. I would request everyone to keep their eyes away from Rishabh Pant for a while."
Pant is still a work in progress
Pant lost his place in Test side after seeing veteran Wriddhiman Saha replacing him in the series against South Africa last month. However, he has been backed in limited-overs cricket. But the performances haven't looked impressive. One positive aspect is that Pant is still a work in progress and needs to keep learning the trades of the game. People need to give him time.
He is a fearless cricketer, says Rohit on Pant
"He is a fearless cricketer and we want him to have that freedom. And if you guys take your eyes off him for sometime, it will allow him to perform even better" Rohit said a day ahead of the series decider.
'I think we should allow him to play his cricket'
Rohit feels that people pointing out his every move isn't fair. "He is a young guy, 22, trying to make his mark in international cricket," he said. "Every move he makes on the field, people start talking about him. It is not fair. I think we should allow him to play his cricket which actually he also wants to do."
Give Rishabh Pant time, says Sourav Ganguly
Recently, former India skipper and current BCCI boss Sourav Ganguly felt Pant needs to be given time. "He's a superb player. Give Rishabh Pant time, he will be fine," said Dada to PTI.
