'I thought that Rishabh Pant is like MS Dhoni' - Inzamam-ul-Haq criticizes wicketkeeper's run-a-ball show in 1st NZ T20I

India played against New Zealand in the first T20I of the three-match series in Jaipur and won the match by five wickets. Though men in blue were looking in a great position from start, a mini-collapse in between gave them some fear. In the same light, Rishabh Pant’s slow knock in the game has come under scrutiny.

Though Pant pushed India over the line with his winning four, his 17 off 17 was not up to the mark given the situation of the match. Former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq stated that he felt Pant is like MS Dhoni who can do wonders while walking at no 5 or 6 but the young wicketkeeper hasn’t impressed him much of late.

“I had a lot of expectations from Rishabh Pant. The way he has performed in the last two years, I rated him highly. I saw him play in Australia, then against England when they toured India earlier this year. The conditions he played in. I thought that like Dhoni, when the top order fails, he makes up for it at the bottom. I felt that Pant is that sort of player. But during the World Cup, he didn’t live up to my expectations,” said Azam on his YouTube channel Inzamam-ul-Haq the Match Winner.

So lately, Rishabh Pant hasn’t lived up to my expectations: Inzamam-ul-Haq

Haq stated that he had always rated Pant highly owing to his several under pressure knocks in the limited career he has had so far. However, he lately hasn’t performed very well, mulled the former Pakistan cricketer. He also hoped that the young wicketkeeping-batter will surely improve his game in times to come. India plays the next T20I against NZ on November 19, 2021.

“He appeared under pressure. Earlier as well, he has been under pressure but he always used to hit his way out of it. So lately, he hasn’t lived up to my expectations. He scored 17 off 17 but having said that, he is a treat to watch. He must have realized it and I’m certain he will improve his game,” he added.