IND vs SA: Rishabh Pant Has To Bat With Maturity, It Will Benefit The Team As Well - Danish Kaneria

Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria believes that Indian wicket-keeper batter, Rishabh Pant, scores runs but not consistently enough to make a difference in the match.

Pant also takes full-blooded risks at most junctures in the game and he will have to shed his inhibitions and bat longer in order to benefit the team against South Africa, as per Kaneria.

“Rishabh has to bat with maturity. His mature outlook will benefit the team as well. He does score runs but not on a consistent basis. Talking about Dinesh Karthik, he hit just 6 off 8.”

“But he had steered India to a respectable total in the previous game. But it was Gaikwad, Ishan, Chahal and Harshal who helped the team win the fourth T20,” Kaneria said on his YouTube channel.

“Avesh can be rested and Umran can be tried out for a change” – Danish Kaneria

Kaneria also reckoned that a change in the pace attack would benefit India as South Africa is already used to the bowling group that has played in the first three T20Is.

“Bhuvneshwar is always economical. He gets movement with the new ball. Avesh was on the expensive side. But does that mean Umran and Arshdeep walk into the playing XI? I feel both players can replace Avesh. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep can leave his mark but I will go with Umran. Avesh can be rested and Umran can be tried out for a change.”

“Because India have another must-win game here. If they stick with the same bowling line-up, the opposition becomes familiar with the attack. Yes, some guys have the experience of playing against each other in the IPL… there’s a different kind of pressure and situation in international cricket,” he added.

The 4th T20I takes place in Rajkot on Friday with the Proteas leading the series 2-1.

Also Read – IND vs SA: “My Advice To Ishan Kishan – If You Can Score Quicker In First 20 Balls, Go For It” – Sanjay Manjrekar