Shastri hints at sending Pant back to domestic cricket
Rishabh Pant has continued to deceive in limited-overs cricket and the recently-concluded T20I series showed why. The young wicket-keeper batsman hasn't shown much character and the mental strength required. He has been undergoing a lean form for a while. Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri backed Pant and said he has to learn the method to madness. Here's more.
Pant has not been up to the mark
Pant's shot-making has been the talk everywhere and he lacks the patience to make a difference. In the three-match T20I series against West Indies, Pant's flaws and poor decision-making were highlighted. He got scores of 18, 33* and 0. Also, his keeping techniques have taken a beating as well. However, Shastri urged fans and critics to be a bit more patient with the player.
Pant needs to execute his shot selection properly
"There's a method to madness as well. So, he has to learn that method. It doesn't come that easily. What he is capable of is what is going to do know. The way he thinks about shot selection," said Shastri to India Today. "Over the next 2-3 years, that's what is going to set him up."
Shastri hints at sending Pant back to domestic cricket
Shastri hinted at sending the youngster back to domestic cricket. This could help Pant to fend off pressure and work his way back. "But there's time. He doesn't have to do it all the time on the cricket field when he is playing for India. Sometimes, domestic cricket is good. There is less pressure in domestic cricket and playing domestic cricket and rediscovering themselves."
Shastri feels Pant can come back stronger from domestic cricket
"If he disappears for 3 months or 6 months just to work on his game, people should not think he has been treated. Absolutely not. He will come back tougher and stronger, if there is a need for that to happen," said Shastri.
A look at Pant's limited-overs performance so far
The 22-year-old Pant has played 12 ODIs for Team India. He has amassed just 229 runs at a dismal average of 22.9. In 26 T20Is, he has scored 409 runs at 20.45. The player has lost his place in the Test team with veteran Wriddhiman Saha being the number one choice at the moment. Pant is facing a lot of pressure at the moment.
Pant needs to work on himself: Our take
We agree with Shastri's comments on Pant. He will benefit from domestic cricket and that should be his platform to work his way back into the side. There are other players like Sanju Samson, in particular, who deserves a chance in the Indian team.
