Ashish Nehra Reckons Rishabh Pant Has A More Natural Talent Than MS Dhoni Had
Published - 18 Aug 2020, 02:03 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:33 AM
Former Indian seamer Ashish Nehra has drawn a unique piece of comparison between MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant. MS Dhoni retired from international cricket three days ago as a package and one of the greatest match-winners. Amongst his abilities as an excellent cricketer, the 39-year-old was outstanding behind the stumps. Nevertheless, Ashish Nehra reckons Pant has more natural talent than the former Indian captain.
Also Read: Ashish Nehra Hails MS Dhoni As One Of The Best Mind-Readers
Rishabh Pant has come under severe criticism of late due to his reckless batting displays, especially in limited-overs cricket. The 22-year-old has thrown away his wicket, playing erratic shots on more occasions than one.
Additionally, Pant’s fumbles with the gloves have not helped his cause either. Instead, KL Rahul has emerged as the foremost wicket-keeping option, who has done well with the bat too. Rishabh Pant has to compete with Wriddhiman Saha in the Test side as well for the keeper’s spot.
However, according to Ashish Nehra, Rishabh Pant has a more natural talent at 22 than MS Dhoni did at 23 in 2004. However, Nehra calls for Pant to be open to continuously improve himself and strong-willed as Dhoni. The 41-year old believes then he can replicate Dhoni’s level of success and be an impact player for India.
“If you ask me, I have seen Rishabh Pant at Sonnet since he was 14-year-old chubby kid, trust me Pant at 22 has more natural talent than what Dhoni had as a 23-year-old in 2004, when he first played for India. But whether can Pant can be as strong-willed as Dhoni will tell you if he can replicate that success,” Nehra told PTI.
He gave respect and hence got respect: Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra went on to hail MS Dhoni for respecting the senior players and handling their transition in a level-headed way. The Delhi cricketer labelled the 2011 World Cup skipper as one of the best mind-readers, who earned respect for giving respect.
“He (MS Dhoni) had utmost respect for all senior players, gave them their space and I can vouch that he handled the transition phase pretty well because of his mind-reading abilities. He gave respect and hence got respect,” he admitted.
The former left-arm paceman went on to state that it would never happen; he did not let players know what was on his mind. Due to his ability to read other people’s minds, MS Dhoni is one of the best man-managers the game has witnessed.
“It never happened that he didn’t give a clear picture to a player about what’s on his mind. He was a good reader of other people’s mind and that’s what made him one of the best man-managers the game has ever seen,” the 41-year-old added further.
