This legend believes Rishabh Pant is future of Indian cricket
What's the story
Wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant faced tough luck as he missed out on India's 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup.
Nonetheless, he continued his brilliance to guide Delhi Capitals to the IPL 2019 play-offs, only to lose to defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the Qualifier 2.
Given his talent, legend VVS Laxman believes he is 'the future of Indian cricket'.
Here's more.
Glorious Pant
Pant enjoys another good season with Delhi
Pant's glorious run in this IPL continued as he finished as Delhi's second-highest run-scorer after Shikhar Dhawan.
He scored 488 runs in 16 innings at an average of 37.53 and a strike-rate of 162.66, including three half-centuries.
Not just with the bat, he also has the most dismissals (24) in the tournament as a wicket-keeper, having also claimed the most number of catches (18).
Aggression
Laxman impressed with Pant's ability to take on bowlers
Pant played an amazing innings of 49 in their Eliminator tie against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
However, few were not impressed with his shaky dismissal towards the end.
Nonetheless, Laxman defended by saying, "He showcased his ability with a savage assault on Basil Thampi. As painful as it was to be at the receiving end, it was also exhilarating to see Rishabh take on the bowlers."
Quote
Laxman pleased with the way Pant is maturing
"He is clearly the future of Indian cricket, and it pleased me no end to witness the maturity he showed, though he will be disappointed that he wasn't around to finish off the job," Laxman noted his opinion while writing for TheTimes of India.
The wait
Pant awaits his World Cup fate until May 23
Pant still has a chance of making it to the World Cup squad until May 23, as the BCCI has only announced provisional squad till now.
As he continues to wait, there is a possibility he could be called in as a replacement for Kedar Jadhav, who is suffering from a back injury.
However, in case he misses out, he could eye county stint.
Author's take
Pant rare talent, but India should not rush him in
Pant is undoubtedly one of the promising talents for India and has a certain future with India.
While the author completely agrees with Laxman's take, he also suggests that both India and Pant should be patient.
Even if he does not make it to the World Cup, he has age on his side to script an illustrious career.