India vs New Zealand 2019: Rishabh Pant is a Great Asset to Our Team - Shikhar Dhawan

As India gears up to face New Zealand in three T20Is, which begins on Wednesday in Wellington; Shikhar Dhawan has shared high praises for Rishabh Pant. Dhawan said Pant is an asset to the Indian team, and his aggressive brand of play will only benefit the side in times to come. Meanwhile, the youngster was not the part of the ODI team, as MS Dhoni made his way to the squad. But, as Rishabh Pant returns to the teamsheet for NZ T20Is, Shikhar Dhawan asked the hosts to remain wary of him.

Pant can change the game on his own – Dhawan

In his brief career so far, Pant has shown what he is capable off; during the Australia Tests, he slammed a brilliant hundred at the SCG, hitting an unbeaten 159. Last year, he had scored his debut ton against England at the Oval too.

Not only this but the ICC named Rishabh Pant in the Test team of the year 2018 as well, glorifying his contributions towards the Indian cricket. Withstanding such records, Shikhar hailed him and said the youngster could alter the game on his own.

“He’s an aggressive batsman and he can take away the game from the opposition in a jiffy. He’s a great asset for our team and I’m sure that he will grab this opportunity with both hands,” Dhawan added.

Welcome to the T20 format. What would you call this shot from @RishabPant777 ?? #TeamIndia #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/R5QTJNFtQI

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2019

Shikhar looks to continue golden T20 form

The last time Dhawan played for India in the T20Is, he earned the Player of the Series award against Australia. Though his numbers in the ODIs to follow, tell you the different story; the southpaw said he thrives on succeeding well in the shortest format.

The India opener added the format demands aggressive batting and if the conditions are suitable, one would only see Dhawan hitting runs at will. Moreover, Shikhar Dhawan opined if runs were to come, the mental change is necessary than the technical one.

“I feel like it’s a change of mindset and it depends on the type of wicket we are playing on. If there’s not much swing, naturally I feel that I’ve got a lot of shots to offer. That is how automatically the strike rate goes up,” Dhawan said.

“My last T20 season went really well and I’ll like to keep going with the same mindset and approach. Of course, this format demands aggressive batting and I’ll try to display it tomorrow and in the further matches.”

Meanwhile, India had won the ODI series against New Zealand (4-1) and will now look to produce similar results in the T20Is.