'Rishabh Pant deserves a bit of a break' - Robin Uthappa backs struggling wicketkeeper to return stronger

India recently whitewashed New Zealand in the three-match T20I series and are all set to play two Test games next. Though India won the series in a clinical manner, there was one player whose form was constantly under question and it was Rishabh Pant. The young wicketkeeping batter failed to get going in the series and collected just 33 runs in three games.

In the same turn of events, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has backed Pant to come stronger. The former cricketer stated that Pant has been with the team non-stop for a couple of years and has played all sorts of formats without complaining. Prolonged stay in bubble sap people and he deserves a break, said Uthappa.

“Rishabh has been on the road with the Indian team for a couple of years non-stop. He has made himself available to play anything and everything without complaining. To be constantly in a bubble sap you. I am certain that also has an implication on the way he performs on the field,” said Robin Uthappa while speaking to ESPNcricinfo.

Maybe Rishabh Pant is having a lack of clarity or mental fatigue: Robin Uthappa

Uthappa added the wicketkeeper-batter might be suffering from a sort of mental fatigue and it’s just a matter of time before he returns back to his usual self. Pant has always been known for his fearless brand of cricket and has done wonders for India in the brief career he has had so far.

“Maybe lack of clarity or mental fatigue, it could be just that as well. He is a high-class player and it’s a matter of time before he comes back and hits the ball the way we know he can. I think he deserves a bit of a break to just switch off from cricket,” Uthappa added.

It has to be noted that Pant has been rested from India’s Test squad which will face New Zealand from November 25 in Kanpur. Wriddhiman Saha, KS Bharat have been named in BCCI’s announced side and it remains to be seen who will don gloves in coming Tests.