One could not help but think about the former selector MSK Prasad’s statement about backing Rishabh Pant as MS Dhoni’s successor across formats. But Rishabh Pant was under pressure on account of filling such massive shoes and the weight of expectations caught up as he struggled to solidify his spot in the national team. But as the 23-year old is starting to become a finished product, former Indian keeper-batsman Parthiv Patel feels Pant does not have to worry about being like Dhoni.
The last few months have been ecstatic for Rishabh Pant as he played a starring role in India’s victories over Australia and England across formats. If consistency in the Test matches were not enough, Pant has also succeeded in the limited-overs version. The left-handed delivered impactful and audacious performances in the recently-concluded ODI series against England, hitting whirlwind half-centuries to announce his comeback.
Rishabh Pant’s eye-catching performances in recent times has also earned him Delhi Capitals’ captaincy, filling in for Shreyas Iyer, who will miss IPL 2021 due to a shoulder injury. Shreyas Iyer wholly backed the keeper-batsman to do an outstanding job, while head coach Ricky Ponting also reckons it’s a massive opportunity for the youngster to take his game to the next level. Pant also hopes that with accomplished seniors and the coaching staff around him, he could take the Capitals one step further from last year.
You don’t want any doubts in your mind and especially a player like Rishabh Pant: Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel believes that Rishabh Pant is Delhi Capitals’ X-factor since he is full of confidence from the last year’s edition and he believes that trust is most important when playing T20 cricket. Patel underlined that the 23-year old should avoid burdening by comparing himself to MS Dhoni and backs him to be better than his predecessor in winning matches. According to the retired cricketer, all these factors make Pant a decisive part of the Delhi Capitals.
“I think Rishabh Pant. Because if he wasn’t in his best of form last season, this year the way he has batted for India, I think he carries a lot of confidence with him and that’s what you want when you are playing a T20 game. You don’t want any doubts in your mind and especially a player like Rishabh Pant. He was burdened with the comparison of MS Dhoni and he also tried to do that, but he himself is brilliant player. He doesn’t have to worry about being like MS Dhoni. He can be better than MS Dhoni or he can win matches on his own every given time. So, I think Rishabh Pant will be probably hold the key for Delhi Capitals,” Patel told on Star Sports’ show Game Plan.
Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin Deserves A Recall To The Indian White-Ball Set-Up: Parthiv Patel
