India’s veteran wicket-keeper batsman Parthiv Patel has backed under-fire Rishabh Pant to improve wicket-keeping skills. Pant’s glovework had come under the scanner in the recently concluded series against Bangladesh and the West Indies. However, Parthiv Patel believes Pant has the skills to improve his game and he can deliver the goods.
On the other hand, Pant had come up with a better performance with the bat. The southpaw batsman had scored a fine knock of 71 runs in the first ODI against West Indies. However, his efforts had gone in vain as India lost that match after Shimron Hetmyer played a blinder. Furthermore, Pant had provided the finishing touches in the second ODI as he blasted 39 runs from 16 balls.
Rishabh Pant needs to improve his keeping skills.
Parthiv Patel believes it is important for Pant to not pay heed to opinion from every quarter. Patel added Pant should believe in his ability.
“Today’s youngsters have got that advantage of playing with the big players and sharing the dressing room with them. But when you are struggling for form, you get opinions from all quarters. It’s about keeping yourself away from opinions and focus on your game,” Patel said.
“If you play for India, there would be pressure. Every player has got the pressure of different situations. Your skills get honed in such pressure situations.
“In the T20 series (against WI) he did well. You see he’s having a fun time at the ground as well. He can become a good player when he comes out of such pressure situations,” said the Gujarat skipper on the eve of their Ranji Trophy match against Bengal here.
On Pant’s wicket-keeping technique, the 34-year-old Patel said: “Obviously when you play for India, you have something in you. He made his Test debut in a tough place like England where the ball swings a lot. He’s a young player. It’s about gaining confidence. It can change in a matter of one-two innings.”
Pant has often taken the criticism for his shot-making and it is understandable that he will learn from experience. He has the game under his belt and he can get the job for the Indian team. However, Pant has got backing from the team management, which is very important for him.
“Opinions should not matter when you know that the team management and selectors back you. It’s about enjoying the moment and express yourself,” he said.
“It’s just because he’s doing well there’s so much talk about him. He has done well in the last series. He has got the talent and the team is providing him that confidence to do much better,” added Patel
Pant has a powerful game and he should maximize the talent he has. The left-hander will be seen in action when India will take on Sri Lanka in the first T20I at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on 5th January.