Here's why Sourav Ganguly continues to back Rishabh Pant
What's the story
Young Indian wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has been in the headlines of late as the debate regarding his eligibility in the team continues to be questioned. While fans continue to criticize his inclusion in the team, most of the cricketing experts have backed him, including former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly. As Ganguly backs him as the solution for Team India, here's what he said.
Dada backs Pant
Ganguly backs Pant to learn and get better
While Pant has been at the receiving end of late for his immature style of gameplay, it is his shot selection that has let the team down on most occasions. However, Ganguly has backed him to learn. "There has been talk about Pant's shot-selection and rightly so, but all must understand, he will learn and only get better," Ganguly wrote for TOI.
India's solution
He [Pant] is India's solution for all the formats: Ganguly
Ganguly said that a young batting unit has made its entry into the Indian team and they all would need the support of skipper Virat Kohli, with Pant being top on the list. "His entry into international cricket has been brilliant and for me, he is India's solution for all the formats. He is a match-winner and a long-term bet for India," added Ganguly.
Pant's criticism
Pant has been subject to heavy criticisms following reckless gameplay
Pant has been heavily criticized of late, especially for his irresponsible style of gameplay. Shastri had pointed out the very fact following his poor outing in the ODIs against Windies last month, where he could only manage just 20 runs in three matches. He also managed to score just 19 runs in the just-concluded T20Is against South Africa.
Pant's record
Some records held by Pant
Following are some of the records held by Pant: He is the third-youngest Indian to score a First-Class 300. He scored the fastest century in Ranji Trophy, off just 48 balls against Jharkhand in 2016. He is the second-fastest T20 centurion, scoring 100 off 32 balls against Himachal Pradesh in January 2018. First Indian batsman to score maiden Test runs off a six.
Gambhir's response
Pant should be given freedom to play his game: Gambhir
Meanwhile, former opener Gautam Gambhir has said that the team management should talk to Pant, while he should be given the freedom to play freely. "If you curb him, he won't play to his potential. You have to accept that Pant will not always get his shot-selection right. On his day, he can win you a game," wrote Gambhir for TOI.