Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Syed Kirmani has said that there are no doubts over Rishabh Pant’s potential, but the youngster needs to be appropriately groomed. KL Rahul-Rishabh Pant has become the talk of the town in recent times.
Since MS Dhoni’s sabbatical after the 2019 world cup, the team has failed to find a competent replacement. Pant had been given numerous chances, but he failed miserably. But, his concussion in the first ODI against Australia made way for Rahul, and the Karnataka wicketkeeper-batsman has become a regular starter since then.
Now, Syed Kirmani has said that the Indian team management should properly back Rishabh Pant as he is very skilled.
Syed Kirmani Opens Up On Rishabh Pant’s Potential
“Do the knowledgeable know that a wicketkeeper has to be born? When I say born, he or she has to be gifted with “good vision, supported with athletic agility, reflexes, sense of anticipation,” Kirmani tells Hindustan Times in an exclusive chat.
“I am not sure if KL Rahul possesses this gifted ability, I have only seen this lad batting all by himself on a bowling machine at the NCA, before representing Karnataka. When he started keeping wickets, I don’t know. All the Best to him,” Kirmani added.
Rishabh Pant Did Not Capitalize On The Opportunites: Syed Kirmani
As for Kirmani, he feels Pant had his opportunities but given he couldn’t do much, maybe it’s time to polish him a little more before he could become part of Indian squads.
“Yes, he did not capitalise on the chances provided to him,” Kirmani says. “Wicketkeeping is the most thankless and difficult job in cricket and I believe Pant has to be properly groomed. I agree that talent has to be encouraged, but mind you, in every profession, talented and promising youngsters have to be under the study of experienced seniors. Otherwise, a lot of water will go under the bridge by the time the youngster comes up to the expectations,” Syed Kirmani said.
“Pant is immensely skilled. That skill will bloom and flourish with experience, it cannot be overnight. It will take a minimum of two seasons if one is a quick learner,” Kirmani added.