According to the Windies great, Brian Lara, young Team India prospect Rishabh Pant has a long way to go. Lara has praised Pant’s penchant for runs, but he suggested the exciting wicketkeeper-batsman should show some maturity. In the ongoing IPL 2019 edition, Pant has played some irresponsible shots to draw flak.
Pant has recently missed his name for India’s 15-man squad for the World Cup. However, he lost his spot to Dinesh Karthik.
“It’s good that he’s carefree, he’s got the shots. But sometimes, you need to have a responsible head on the shoulders, too. I’m sure he’ll learn,” Lara told ToI.
The 49-year-old Trinidadian, Lara feels it’s an excellent sight to see young blood opting for big shots, but they’re equally supposed to show some maturity at the crease.
“It’s good to see how these youngsters are and have a great passion for shots and everything but sometimes, level-headedness is what matters. Much was said about Pant but I’m surprised nobody mentioned Prithvi Shaw’s name for the World Cup,” Lara added.
Since 2016, Pant has featured in 48 IPL matches. He has amassed 1506 runs at an average of 34.22. He also has a hundred to his name which came in 2918 when he blasted unbeaten 128.
Besides, he has amassed 684 runs in 14 innings to impress one and all.
Following a staggering show in the eleventh edition of the IPL, Pant is having a mixed run for the ongoing season. So far in 10 games, Pant has accumulated 258 runs at an average of 28.66.
However, Lara has praised the way Pant has delivered on different occasions. He added Pant is sort of player who could change the complexion of the game within no time. But, at the some, time with his casual approach he could throw his time in a spot of bother.
Lara while backing his claim recalled Capitals’ innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) when hosts lost a cluster of wickets on a slow natured surface.
“I think he’s a good player, very aggressive player. He is someone who can change the course of the game within a very short period of time. But in saying that, the liability he carries needs to be looked at too. He can put the team in a kind of a situation in the blink of an eye. That game where Delhi Capitals (versus SRH) folded up and lost seven or eight wickets when it was around less than a run a ball required. That dismissal (of Pant) was worrying,” Lara stated.
Known for his hard-hitting prowess, Pant has often lost his calmness to throw away his wicket which is subsequently his weakling.
When asked about number four spot for Pant, Lara in his straightforward response maintained some experience would settle a case for Indian’s No.1 selection conundrum.
“I think India needed more experience at that position,” Lara concluded.
Interestingly, Pant has age on his side, who is further seen as a major contender to replace veteran MS Dhoni in the foreseeable future.