KL Rahul looks first-choice but MS Dhoni's retirement has taken pressure off Rishabh Pant: Deep Dasgupta

MS Dhoni’s retirement from the biggest stage has left Indian fans in dilemma over the wicketkeeping spot. While KL Rahul has cemented his place behind the stumps in the limited-overs format, many still feel that Rishabh Pant has tonnes of potential.

Nayan Mongia, MSK Prasad and Deep Dasgupta agreed that KL Rahul looks perfect for the spot at present. With Rahul being the first-choice, he will be challenged by Pant, followed by Sanju Samson adding the third dimension. The trio also opined on Pant’s future, especially after the young lad would feel a weight off his shoulders upon Dhoni’s retirement.

“KL, I think will be the first choice in 50 overs. Whatever I have seen of KL, he hasn’t been bad behind the stumps and also once he started keeping, his batting form improved in white-ball cricket. On the form, KL will be my first choice and after that, you can look at Rishabh and give him chances,” said Mongia as quoted by Times Now.

Rishabh Pant can now express himself in the best possible manner: Deep Dasgupta

Dasgupta also agreed on this but added that both Rahul and Pant can be slotted in the T20I side. However, if given a choice, he would certainly choose Rahul in the shortest format of the game. “Look, in T20s, I believe both can play in the XI. But given a choice, KL will be my Man for the time at least in T20s.

“However in 50 over format, maybe team management and selectors can speak to him and see he wants to do it long term till 2023 World Cup and bat at No 5 which is a critical slot in the middle-order,” opined Dasgupta.

MSK Prasad, who was previously the head of the selection committee, also preferred Rahul. “If you go by New Zealand series, the last one we played, KL starts as first choice and Sanju is also there but as the third choice. He did well and gives that flexibility to play extra batsman or bowler as per conditions. “But yes, after five months, everyone starts from scratch and IPL form will be important,” said Prasad.

Dasgupta also pointed out that Dhoni’s retirement must’ve relieved the pressure off Pant. The young lad was often compared with Dhoni, mounting unwanted responsibility on his shoulders.

“Don’t forget that the constant comparisons with Dhoni would have weighed a lot on his young mind. It doesn’t help in getting performances with that pressure. So now, he is free and can express himself in the best possible manner. But yes, he also needs to mature a bit as a player,” Dasgupta asserted.

Mongia, however, said that there will be pressure and that’s a good a thing for Pant. “It’s huge boots to fill in and rightly so. You don’t get MS Dhonis every day. So Pant will get his opportunity and let him prove his mettle. I am sure that the team management will give him enough chances.”