Lance Klusener Comes Out In Support Of Rishabh Pant; Names Him As A Worthy Successor to MS Dhoni

Updated - 29 Dec 2019, 01:42 AM

Lance Klusener, Delhi, DDCA, Ranji
Lance Klusener (Credits- Getty)

Ever since India’s exit from the 2019 World Cup, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s future has formed as one of the debatable topics from time to time. While the former India captain has come behind the scenes plenty of time, not once he has taken the field since India got eliminated from the ten-team tournament in England. With plenty of doubts encircling his future, former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener has condoned Rishabh Pant as a worthy successor to MS Dhoni.

Also Read: MSK Prasad Advices Rishabh Pant To Relax Like Wriddhiman Saha To Perform Better

Of late, Rishabh Pant has faced plenty of flak for misfiring with the bat and his fumbles behind the stumps as the gloveman in white-ball cricket. On the contrary, MS Dhoni is widely known for not only making an impact with the bat and as the wicketkeeper but also providing strategies to the bowlers when they seem under pressure. The inputs rendered by him behind the stumps have brought fruitful results for the team.

Lance Klusener
Lance Klusener. Credit: Gallo Images

Nevertheless, the 21-year old came good against West Indies in the recently concluded ODI series. He played an integral role in propelling India to formidable scores in the first and second ODI. And Lance Klusener is confident that as Dhoni is approaching the end of his career, there isn’t anyone better than Pant to succeed him. The 48-year old labelled Pant as “marvellous prospect” and one should let him just play since he has got the confidence of the selectors.

“He has got the backing and confidence of the selectors. Just let him play, he is going to be a marvellous prospect and he has shown that already (in the ODIs against West Indies). As MS starts to wind up his career, I can’t really see a better keeper-batsman in white-ball cricket, than what you have in Rishabh,” Lance Klusener said as quoted by Times Now.

Lance Klusener opines that Rishabh Pant needs to keep on learning:

The former Proteas white-ball specialist believes that the youngster is an outstanding talent. However, he has got plenty of learning and information to absorb. Lance Klusener is currently the coach of the Afghanistan cricket team, having taken up the role in September 2019.

Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, Indian National Cricket Team, Three Reasons why Sanju Samson is not getting chances
Rishabh Pant (Credits – Twitter)

“Rishabh is absolutely outstanding but he has a lot of learning to do. He is still young and is happy to play by the seat of his pants. He was with me in Delhi (Daredevils). He just needs to absorb all the information and learn as much as he can.” Klusener added.

Rishabh Pant has been included in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka and the ODI series against Australia. The Delhi batsman would look to build on his encouraging series against West Indies.

Also Read: I’m Sure MS Dhoni Has Had Communication With Captain, Selectors, Says Sourav Ganguly

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India National Cricket Team Lance Klusener MS Dhoni Rishabh Pant