Rishabh Pant Is Not A Finished Product Yet: Deep Dasgupta

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta feels Rishabh Pant deserves to be given a longer rope in order to prove himself.

Perhaps nothing has divided opinions in the Indian cricketing circles as much as Rishabh Pant has in recent times. The southpaw’s batting abilities has impressed one and all but his unimpressive glove-work has left a lot to be desired. Irrespective of conditions, Pant has struggled so far.

The youngster had a tough time in swinging conditions of England. In the first innings of the fourth Test against England, he conceded as many as 23 byes. And his poor wicketkeeping continued in India too.  The young wicketkeeper had leaked 21 byes — 16 in the first innings and five in the second —  and even dropped two catches in the first Test against West Indies. Those mistakes, however, did not cost India much as they comfortably won the game by a record margin.

Rishabh Pant Is Not A Finished Product Yet: Deep Dasgupta
You will have to give Rishabh Pant a bit more time to get settled: Deep Dasgupta (Credits: Getty)

Pant’s impressive batting has also helped him make amends for his poor show behind the stumps. The left-hander, who began his Test career with a six, struck an impressive century in the last Test against England. Against West Indies, he slammed 92 off just 84 deliveries.

And despite his clear struggles, Deep Dasgupta feels Pant needs to be given a longer rope. Dasgupta , who played 8 Tests and 5 ODIs, defended Pant by saying that the youngster is not a finished product yet.

“He is not a finished product yet. He is just 21 and has played Ranji Trophy for two years, so you will have to give him a bit more time to get settled,” Dasgupta told Sportstar.

“Keeping against spinners on Indian surfaces is always a daunting task and it can’t get more challenging than this. You need to pick things up from here,” Dasgupta added.

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Rishabh Pant Is Not A Finished Product Yet: Deep Dasgupta
It is important that Rishabh Pant is properly guided and is given the time: Deep Dasgupta (Credits: Getty)

Dasgupta further said that Pant needs the backing of the team-management after being fast tracked into the side at an young age.

“You have to treat him well. He has had an early start and you need to give him a longer rope. You just can’t make him sit out if he fails in one or two occasions,” Dasgupta stated, drawing reference to Parthiv Patel.

“Rishabh is young, so it is important that he is properly guided and is given the time. You cannot afford to just pick him suddenly and drop him after a few matches. If you are looking at the longer run, then you have to be patient with him,” Dasgupta reasoned.

 

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