Rishabh Pant needs to work more on his game plan, says batting coach Vikram Rathour

Rishabh Pant has been a constant source of debate amongst the Indian cricket team fans off late on social media. Even the cricket experts are left scratching their heads at the way the Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman has been wasting away chances of cementing his place in the Indian team in all formats, thanks to his irresponsible batting in the West Indies tour.

Pant, who is earmarked as the successor to MS Dhoni in the limited-overs as well, has thrown away his wicket with needless shots at inopportune moments in the game. He got out trying to play a needless shot in the World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand and repeated similar shots in the Tests and limited-overs series against Windies as well, with questions been raised on how many more chances should he get. An answer to this was provided by new batting coach of the national team, Vikram Rathour.

‘Pant needs to understand that there’s a fine line between fearless and careless cricket’

Vikram Rathour, who has taken over the batting coach duties from Sanjay Bangar, said that the youngster has to understand the fine line between being adventurous and stupid. All the young guns need to understand that there’s a fine line between fearless cricket and careless cricket. What the team management is asking is fearless cricket — having clear game plans and play with intent, backing your strengths. At the same time, you cannot be careless,” Rathour was quoted as saying by The Hindu on the eve of the second T20I at Mohali.

Even head coach Ravi Shastri mentioned that though Pant is a special talent, he will receive criticism if he continues to play cricket with such rashness. There are candidates waiting to get their chances with KS Bharat as an alternative in Tests and Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson in the limited-overs scene for the Indian team. Rathour mentioned that Pant needs to sort out his game plan if he needs to succeed. He also said that players will be backed to the maximum by the team management.

“Rishabh is a phenomenal player. He needs to sort out his game plan a little more and needs to bring in a little bit of discipline to his cricket. What they are trying to say is that you need to take your opportunities well when you get them. They have come here after playing so well. I don’t think that’s a massive issue. The team management will be supporting them. They are tremendous cricketers — all of them,” Rathour signed off.