Deep Dasgupta Feels Rishabh Pant Can Purely Play as a Batsman

Team India selectors have announced a 14 man squad for the ODI series against the Windies. Rishabh Pant has been included in the squad in favour of Dinesh Karthik who failed to make a great impact during the Asia Cup pretty recently. Rishabh Pant has performed admirably in the past few months and hence a selection in the limited overs squad was always on the cards. He can be purely seen as a batsman when India meets the Caribbean in the 5 match ODI series.

Rishabh has been included in the squad as a 2^nd wicket-keeper in the side. However, MS Dhoni’s below-par performances in the last few months and with Pant doing well in Tests many have predicted a tough competition between the two. However former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Deep Dasgupta who is a cricket analyst feels that there is no threat for MS Dhoni as he will surely play the 2019 World Cup.

Rishabh Pant will play as a batsman if required feels Deep Dasgupta

Dasgupta feels that Dhoni will never think of any other player as a competition and will be well assured of his place in the 2019 World Cup. Deep Dasgupta will look at Rishabh Pant as a 2^nd wicket-keeper or as a pure batsman. He also feels that Pant will improve his skills by spending time with the former India skipper.

“I don’t think so. I think it is quite certain that MS Dhoni will go on to play the 2019 World Cup. And, I won’t be looking at it like that. I would be looking at it like Rishabh Pant as a second wicket-keeper and also as a pure batsman option.”

“Also, a good opportunity for someone like Rishabh Pant to learn the traits of the trait from the best in the world, I might say. It is a very good opportunity for Rishabh Pant and as far as MS Dhoni is concerned, I don’t think he never felt threatened even when he was a new-comer and obviously not now,” he said while speaking to ESPN Cricinfo. Dasgupta feels Pant in the batting line-up has the ability to provide back-up cushion to MS Dhoni in the middle order.