The two youngsters – Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant – are all around the news for their selections in the team. One for getting fewer chances and another one being criticised for his inconsistent forms. The team management is finding the one which will be suitable for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020.
Rishabh Pant has been given a lot of opportunities – VVS Laxman
In Bangladesh T20I series, Sanju Samson, as well as Rishabh Pant, were selected in the team. The Delhi lad was selected in the team in all the three-match T20I series while Samson was only warming the bench. Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman believes that the inclusion of Samson in the squad was a message sent out to Pant to start performing.
“The team management and the selection committee have passed on a strong message that we got a backup in the form of Sanju Samson. Rishabh Pant has been given a lot of opportunities and I’m sure that they will be communicating and giving him that security within that group,” Laxman told Star Sports.
“But then ultimately the player has to justify the faith the team management, the selection committee has been imposing on him,” he said.
Rishabh Pant starting his career with a good note but now, the series of the low score has brought him around the criticism. Laxman opines that he has the ability but needs to justify his talent.
“Unfortunately, Rishabh hasn’t been able to do that, but he is that X factor. I still feel that he is an exclusive batsman who can come and change the course of the match just by his ability to hit good balls out of the park.”
Earlier, Sanju Samson was not included in the limited-overs squads against West Indies for the upcoming home series but Shikhar Dhawan’s injury has given the opportunity to the Kerela player in the T20I series. However, whether Samson will get the chance in the final XI is still a question.
MS Dhoni is preparing for IPL: Laxman
MS Dhoni‘s unavailability has given the chance to the youngsters and his future is still a question. According to Laxman, Dhoni is preparing for the IPL, and his decision to comeback will more depend on Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson’s performance.
“I think MS Dhoni will wait with patience to see the performance of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. Whenever he gets an opportunity and he will take a call after the IPL because the way I am seeing it, MS Dhoni is preparing himself for the IPL. I’m sure he will do well like he has done whenever he plays and leads CSK,” said Laxman about Dhoni’s future.