Rishabh Pant a match-winner, Sanju Samson has to attend for his alternatives in ODIs: Shikhar Dhawan

India tour of New Zealand: Stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan mentioned Rishabh Pant is a match-winner and it is necessary that the crew administration backs the younger wicketkeeper-batter when he’s going by way of a dip in kind.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Nov 30, 2022 18:43 IST

Rishabh Pant bought out for 15 within the third ODI in opposition to New Zealand (AFP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: India’s stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan has backed the lengthy rope that Rishabh Pant has been getting in ODI cricket, saying a match-winner just like the wicketkeeper-batter wants cushioning when he’s going by way of a lean patch. Dhawan highlighted on the issue of loads resulting from a robust bench power for India and mentioned Sanju Samson should anticipate his probabilities and proceed doing the nice work within the 50-over format of the sport.

Sanju Samson chipped in with an important 36 within the first ODI of the recently-concluded 3-match sequence in New Zealand, which was additionally the one alternative he bought on the tour. He was dropped for the 2nd ODI as India accommodated an additional bowling choice in Deepak Hooda within the XI. Samson warmed the benches at the same time as Rishabh Pant struggled to get stepping into New Zealand.

Pant scored 17 runs within the 2 T20is and 25 runs throughout 2 ODIs in New Zealand. On Wednesday, Pant fell into the entice of New Zealand bowlers, who saved it vast off the stump and compelled the younger wicketkeeper-batter to play in opposition to his strengths.

Samson needed to heat the benches in New Zealand regardless of having achieved properly within the residence sequence in South Africa earlier than the T20 World Cup.

“In Rishabh’s case, he played the one-dayers in England and scored a century there. And a player who gets a 100 gets backing. Everything is done keeping the larger picture in mind. If there is a match-winner, you have to back him. A decision is taken after analysing a lot of things,” Dhawan mentioned.

“Of course, Sanju (Samson) is doing really well. Whatever opportunities he has gotten, he has done well, but sometimes despite performing well, a player has to wait because the one before him has been doing well.

“We know the talents that Pant possesses and he’s a match-winner. A sure cushioning must be provided that cushioning when he is not performing. So that cushioning is given to that participant,” he added.

Notably, Pant was not impressed by questions concerning the gulf in his white-ball and red-ball kind throughout an interview with the host broadcaster in Christchurch on Wednesday.

Pant defended his ODI numbers however conceded that he has not been up to speed in T20Is. Notably, the Delhi wicketkeeper-batter hit his maiden ODI hundred earlier this 12 months in a series-deciding ODI in England.

Published On:

Nov 30, 2022