‘They have high skills’ – Shane Watson has his say on MS Dhoni-Rishabh Pant comparision

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, who was recently appointed the assistant coach of Delhi Capitals, opened up on the comparsion between Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni. Watson, who was part of the Chennai Super Kings set-up from the 2018 edition to the 2020 edition, knows a lot about Dhoni, having played under him.

One of the most talked-about comparisons in the cricketing setup has been Pant and Dhoni, who have had a similar approach to the game in terms of applying the pressure on the bowlers. Although the Delhi lad is pretty much in his early days, Pant has already broken a lot of records in Test cricket as a wicketkeeper-batter and is deemed as the future captain of India for his calmness on the field which was a regular sight with legendary Dhoni as well.

Rishabh Pant, as a leader, is very cool and calm: Shane Watson

Watson mentioned that the comparisons can always be a tempting question for the public but noted that both MS Dhoni and Pant are different in their terms of skillset. He added that the comparisons between the duo will work only in a perfect world and heaped praises on their skill levels.

He also highlighted Pant’s calmness on the field as a captain as one of the similar traits to Dhoni. He also lauded Pant for the achievements he has already made as a batter before donning the captaincy hat. Watson also hailed head coach Ricky Ponting for the way he has groomed the youngsters in the setup.

“It is one of the things that public, in general, want to compare apples with apples. Every individual is different and everyone has their own nuance and skillset. I know in a perfect world we can try and compare MS Dhoni with Rishabh Pant, but Rishabh and MS Dhoni are very different people and cricketers. They have high skills and Rishabh as a leader is very cool and calm and this is what I have seen with MS as well. To be honest, to see the skill Rishabh has alone, take away his leadership,” Watson said during a virtual press conference on Tuesday.

“At such a young age, to do what he has done in his cricketing career, it is absolutely incredible. Rishabh can only get better; he can only continue to learn from his experiences. Ricky Ponting was one of the best captains I have played under and he knew how to get the best of his players. So, Rishabh has good person around him. Rishabh can be the best version of himself and how public and media wants to compare his skills with MS Dhoni, they can at their own peril. For Rishabh and Delhi Capitals, it is important for Rishabh to be the best version of himself,” he added.