M.S. Dhoni’s retirement from international format which was announced on 15th August was a very big news for Cricket. However, Dhoni’s announcement for retirement has reduced a lot of pressure on Rishabh Pant. Nayan Mongia, Deep Dasgupta and MSK Prasad, the three former Indian wicket keepers feel that KL Rahul is the probable first choice in test format in future. KL Rahul is anticipated to keep in white ball cricket in future.
Mongia, Prasad and Dasgupta collectively think that the decision would be between Rahul and Pant. Although they say that Sanju Samson is also one of the third possible options to pick from.
Words from former keepers
According to Mongia,when it comes to keeping in 50 overs format he thinks that KL Rahul would be the first choice.
Rahul’s performance in ODIs is not bad behind the stumps. It is noticed that his batting performance has boosted in test format since he started keeping. Mongia, one of the best wicket keepers of India also stated that as of now for him Rahul would be the first choice. Rishabh Pant on the other hand can be looked at as another alternative by giving him chances.
Deep Dasgupta agreed with Mongia and stated that having Rahul and Pant will make the Indian team flexible with all formats. He said that as far as T20 is concerned both Rahul and Pant are suitable but if I have to choose one, Rahul will be his choice as of now.
Talking about ODI he said that the decision would be by the management and selectors. They can talk to him about what he wants and if he would like to continue to bat in middle order at no.5 as a keeper.
MSK Prasad, was recently the head of the selection group. He says that for him too Rahul would be the most probable choice but Rishabh will definitely be considered. For him Sanju Samson will be the third choice.
Prasad and Dasgupta think that now that Dhoni has retired Pant can be off pressure and express himself freely without any burden. Prasad also rightly stated that, IPL is really going to help determine the current form and fitness of all the players.
He also said that Pant should be given fair chances before considering anyone else.
Mongia on Rishabh Pant
Nayan Mongia feels that Pant will have a little pressure for proving himself and it is good for his young mind. Pant has undoubtedly huge shoes to fill in.
After all a player like MS Dhoni is very rare. We don’t see players like Dhoni everywhere. Rishabh Pant has an opportunity to prove himself and work on his skills. He believes that the management will give him enough chances and that’s what he deserves.
Pant has the opportunity now and it is now up to him how he looks at these chances and how he uses them for his benefit.
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