Rishabh Pant is one of the most talented youngsters in the current era and there is literally no doubt about it. However, his recent form has been appalling and the way he has been getting dismissed is also sickening.
The southpaw has often been dismissed for cheap scores and despite his struggles, he gets the constant backing of the Indian selectors. As thing stand, Pant has been the top-most priority for the selectors ahead of Sanju Samson.
Rishabh Pant played two T20Is against New Zealand when Sanju Samson was ignored for those two games. However, Pant hardly made his presence count on the pitch as he scored just 6 and 11 in the second and third T20I.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson eventually got a chance to play for the team in the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland. However, he scored only 38 runs to his name playing at a strike rate of around 100, which was not really sufficient.
VVS Laxman reveals the reason why Rishabh Pant continues to be backed despite poor form
New Zealand won the game by seven wickets against India and drew the first blood in the series. Talking about the second ODI, Rishabh Pant was preferred ahead of Sanju Samson.
The second game was washed out due to rain. The fans expected Sanju Samson to get an opportunity ahead of Rishabh Pant for the series decider. However, the selectors decided to stick to Pant in the first place.
Pant failed to deliver the goods with the bat as he could score only 10 runs against New Zealand. After the game, fans took to their respective social media handles to slam the team management for ignoring Sanju Samson.
Meanwhile, India’s acting head coach VVS Laxman has revealed the reason why Pant continues to be backed despite poor form. Laxman added that Pant has been doing good at No.4 and also cited that the southpaw scored a vital century at Old Trafford. Laxman former feels it is important to back the youngster in the first place.
“It’s about giving them opportunities and also informing them whenever they aren’t picked. Pant has been doing well at no.4, not too long ago he scored an important century at Old Trafford and it’s important to back him. T20 cricket has given batters more confidence about clearing the grounds no matter how big the outfields are, they also work a lot with the range-hitting,” said Laxman.
