Sourav Ganguly Leaps To Defence Of Misfiring Rishabh Pant

In the wake of the recent criticism faced by Rishabh Pant, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has leapt in defence of the youngster. Things are just not falling into place for the wicketkeeper-batsman who is widely seen as the successor of the legendary MS Dhoni. Things are just not falling into place for Rishabh Pant at the moment.

Not very long ago, the India youngster was making it to the news for all the right reasons due to his exploits in Test cricket and Indian Premier League. Test centuries in England and Australia made it clear that the hard-hitting batsman could play in the longest format of the game.

Earlier this year, he played a big role in helping Delhi Capitals progress ahead of the group stage for the first time since 2012. But since then, things have only gone downhill for Rishabh Pant. He failed to deliver in the World Cup after India recalled him midway to replace an injured Shikhar Dhawan.

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In the subsequent series against West Indies, he failed again and faced criticism from all around for getting out by playing poor shots. His fortunes did not change in the home T20I series against South Africa before India dropped him to include Wriddhiman Saha in the playing eleven for the Test series.

His miseries have been further compounded due to his struggles behind the stumps in the ongoing series against Bangladesh. And with every failure, Rishabh Pant is facing heavy criticism. However, he has the full support of Sourav Ganguly. The former India skipper, on Friday,  called Pant a “superb player” and said that the player needs some time.

“He’s a superb player. Give Rishabh Pant time, he will be fine,” Sourav Ganguly told PTI.

“He will mature slowly, you have to give him time. India played really well last night,” he added.

The ongoing series between India and Bangladesh, meanwhile, is locked at 1-1 after the hosts won the second game by eight wickets. The third and final game will take place in Nagpur on Sunday.