Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has thrown his support behind Rishabh Pant who is facing the heat for his poor wicketkeeping.
That Rishabh Pant is one of the most talented batsmen in the country right now is very much clear. The youngster has not looked back since impressing in the Under-19 World Cup a couple of years ago. Earlier this year, his exploits in domestic cricket and Indian Premier League helped him break into the India A side and eventually the Test side.
A six to get off the mark in Tests, a century in England and a 84-ball 92 against West Indies further enhanced his reputation as a batsman.
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But sadly, the same cannot be said about his wicketkeeping. Whether it is England or India, Pant has struggled irrespective of conditions. In the first innings of the fourth Test against England, he conceded as many as 23 byes.
Any hopes of seeing a good work from him in familiar conditions also disappeared after the first Test against West Indies. He leaked 21 byes — 16 in the first innings and five in the second — and even dropped two catches.
Not surprisingly, he is facing criticism from several quarters for his unimpressive glove-work. However, Deep Dasgupta has leapt in his defence and feels the youngster deserves a longer run to prove himself.
“He is not a finished product yet. He is just 21 and has played Ranji Trophy for two years, so you will have to give him a bit more time to get settled,” Dasgupta told Sportstar.
Dasgupta also defended Pant’s work against West Indies by saying that a wicketkeeper faces the most challenging task when he stands behind the stumps and a spinner bowls.
“Keeping against spinners on Indian surfaces is always a daunting task and it can’t get more challenging than this. You need to pick things up from here,” said Dasgupta who played 8 Tests and 5 ODIs.
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Dasgupta went on to say that Pant needs the backing and deserves a longer rope to prove himself.
“You have to treat him well. He has had an early start and you need to give him a longer rope. You just can’t make him sit out if he fails in one or two occasions,” Dasgupta stated.
“Rishabh is young, so it is important that he is properly guided and is given the time. You cannot afford to just pick him suddenly and drop him after a few matches. If you are looking at the longer run, then you have to be patient with him,” Dasgupta added.
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