'MS Dhoni Became Captain Out Of Nowhere, But They Made Him Right?': Yuvraj Singh Picks 'Right Guy' To Lead India In Tests
Published - 27 Apr 2022, 05:52 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:08 AM
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Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh believes the selectors should back Rishabh Pant as India’s future Test skipper. Referring to MS Dhoni as an example, Yuvraj said Pant is the ‘right person to captain the Indian Test side.
Rohit Sharma was named as India’s all-format skipper after Virat Kohli chose to venture down as Test commander recently following a 1-2 loss in South Africa. Yet, with Rohit, 34, not getting any more youthful, the possibilities of him driving the side in the longest format for a more drawn-out period are thin.
Rishabh Pant Will Evolve With Time: Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj accepts Pant should be prepped as he has the initiative characteristics and is likewise an assurance in the XI in red-ball cricket.
“You must get someone ready. Like Mahi became captain out of nowhere but they made him, right! Then he evolved,” Yuvraj said on Sports18’s show ‘Home of Heroes’. “Keeper is always a good thinker because he always has the best view on the ground,” added the Player of the Tournament of the 2011 ODI World Cup.
Dhoni, at 26 years old, was delegated India’s white-ball captain when Rahul Dravid ventured down after the 2007 ODI World Cup fiasco. He was made Test skipper two or three years later as Anil Kumble declared his retirement.
Rishabh Pant Is Maturing With Time: Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh feels that somebody like Pant should be given the expected time. Expecting ‘marvels’ immediately won’t be the correct thing.
“You pick a young guy who can be a future captain, give him time and don’t expect miracles in the first six months or a year. I feel you must believe in the younger guys to get the job done,” he added.
Yuvraj dismissed critics questioning Pant’s maturity. “I was immature at that age, Virat was immature when he was captain at that age. But he (Pant) is maturing with time,” said Yuvraj. “I don’t know how the support staff thinks about it, but I think he is the right guy to lead the Test team.”
Rishabh Pant Could Be A Future Legend: Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh uncovered that in his discussions with Pant, he frequently refers to the case of Australian legend Adam Gilchrist, who made 17 Test hundreds batting at number seven.
“You already have four Test hundreds. In terms of best wicket-keeper batsman, I see Rishabh could be the future legend,” said Yuvraj.
Pant, the present skipper of Delhi Capitals, averages more than 40 in Test cricket and has four hundreds to his name. He might have had a couple of more had he not been dismissed during the 90s multiple times.
Also Read: IPL 2022: Mahela Jayawardene Calls For Change After Rishabh Pant IPL Incident
