Rahul Dravid opines on the MS Dhoni-Rishabh Pant conundrum for the World Cup

It is no secret that over the last couple of years, MS Dhoni’s prowess with the bat has been on the wane. There’s no doubt that he has the ability and can still finish games. But the method has changed and it has backfired a few times as well. He had a terrible 2018 where he could muster just 275 runs at an average of 25.00. His strike-rate dipped alarmingly.

The former skipper had a strike-rate of 71.43 in 2018 which is the worst for him in a calendar year. However, he has turned it around in 2019 and has taken India to victory in quite a few games. Then there is Rishabh Pant who has been waiting in the wings for quite some time now. While his glovework may not be as good as Dhoni’s but the way he’s batting has been remarkable.

He has had a terrific start to his Test career with hundreds in England and Australia. However, he hasn’t really got a proper opportunity in ODI cricket. The Delhi dasher has played just five ODIs so far. But he has performed brilliantly in the IPL. Last year, he was the second highest run-getter and even this year, he has started off on an excellent note. Pant scored a manic 27-ball 78 in Delhi Capitals’ opening game of 2019 against Mumbai Indians.

His knock which included seven fours and as many sixes helped DC win the game. He followed this knock with a 13-ball 25 against Chennai Super Kings before throwing it away. Hence, Pant is on the fringes and may well be on the flight to England for the World Cup.

Dhoni has incredible experience, Rishabh exciting and talented: Dravid

When MS Dhoni went through a significant slump last year, there were calls for Rishabh Pant to replace the veteran wicketkeeper. Even today, the former India skipper is criticised for his approach. Former India captain and current India Under-19 and India ‘A’ coach, Rahul Dravid had a say on the Dhoni-Pant debate.

“All I will say is that Dhoni has incredible experience and he has been playing very well in the past few months. Rishabh is definitely an exciting young player and he has got the talent,” Dravid was quoted as saying in The Times of India (TOI). 

He also revealed that if the selectors feel then two wicketkeepers can play. However, the best 15 has to go for the World Cup. Also, Dravid admitted that he cannot comment on who should be included, everyone is the same for him.

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