Dinesh Karthik Or Rishabh Pant Can Be Given A Chance Against Sri Lanka: Ashish Nehra

Nov 9, 2017 at 11:17 AM

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Dinesh Karthik Or Rishabh Pant Can Be Given A Chance Against Sri Lanka: Ashish Nehra

Backing Mahendra Singh Dhoni to continue playing in T20 Internationals, former India fast-bowler Ashish Nehra has said Team India can try out Dinesh Karthik or Rishabh Pant as wicketkeeper-batsman in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

Dhoni is facing the heat from several quarters after his knock in the second T20 International against New Zealand where he failed to play according to the demands and although he eventually he managed to score 49, it did not take India over the line. Walking in to bat when the team was four wickets down in the 10th over and needed more than 10 per over while chasing a mammoth 197, Dhoni scored at a strike-rate of less than 100 for the first 20 balls he faced. He played some big shots towards the end but it only helped him to up his strike-rate as India went on to lose the game by 40 runs.

Dhoni had scored 49 off 37 in the second T20I (Credits: BCCI)

After the knock, the likes of VVS Laxman and Ajit Agarkar said that Dhoni should quit the shortest format of the game but while Dhawan stated that the former India skipper should retire on his own terms, he said that the team can try out other players during the Sri Lanka series.

“You can try any second wicket-keeper batsman in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, Dinesh Karthik or Rishabh Pant can be given a chance. But the selectors should allow Dhoni to make this decision that whether he wants to take rest or wants to be in the playing XI,” Nehra was quoted as saying by India TV.

Nehra feels India can try out Karthik or Pant against Sri Lanka (Credits: AFP)

“Apart from his brilliant wicket-keeping skills, Dhoni has the ability to read the game as he possesses a very sharp cricketing mind,” Nehra added. “If I can bowl fast at the age of 39, Dhoni can also play the 2020 T20 World Cup.”

Nehra went on to say that Dhoni would himself walk away when the time is right.

“Dhoni has such personality that no one needs to tell him that what he needs to do, he is himself the best judge that whether he should continue playing at the highest level or not,” he said,

Nehra, who recently retired from international cricket, further said that Dhoni is a prized asset for the team as he not only guides the team like a coach but also motivates the youngsters.

“Dhoni also wonderfully shares the burden of the coach in a brilliant way, he not only mentors the young blood but also instills confidence in them and motivates them to do well,” Nehra said.

Nehra also had of praise for the way Dhoni helps the team as a mentor (Credits: BCCI)

The 39-year old also said that age should not be a criteria for selection in the Indian team.

“Age should not be the criteria to get selected in Team India. If the player is fit and is performing well, he should retain his place in the team irrespective of his age,” he said.

“MS Dhoni comes to bat at a tricky number, he is doing a thankless job from where if he wins the match for India he becomes the greatest finisher or if he fails, he will get criticized,” he added.

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