Twitter questions Rishabh Pant’s ‘reckless’ shot selection in T20I series vs Windies

Rishabh Pant. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Just 24 hours after getting dismissed for a duck, Rishabh Pant got out cheaply yet again in the 2nd T20I against Windies in Lauderhill. The 21-year-old has been backed by skipper Virat Kohli and the management. Pant was caught in two minds as he top-edged a delivery from Oshane Thomas.

It looked reckless and fans were in no mood to spare the southpaw. He made 4 runs as the batter failed to capitalize on the start produced by Rohit Sharma. India posted 167/5 on the board before restricting West Indies to 98/4 in 15.3 overs.

Young Pant has Virat Kohli’s support

With MS Dhoni not a part of India’s white-ball squad, Pant is set to get exposure at the international level. Ahead of the T20I series, Kohli threw his hat behind Pant. He said Dhoni’s presence is always vital but at the same time the forthcoming series would be a great opportunity for Pant to show his mettle.

“His [MS Dhoni] experience has always been a crucial factor for us. Having said that, it’s a great opportunity for someone like Rishabh Pant to play a lot of international cricket and show his credential… unleash his potential. We know how much ability he has and we all want him to be a consistent performer for the Indian cricket team. MS’s experience is always going to be a crucial factor but having said that some of these youngsters have a good opportunity. Rishabh is looking forward to this opportunity as well,” Virat Kohli had said.

Time is running out for ‘reckless’ Pant

Not too long back, Pant found himself at the receiving end after committing to an irresponsible shot during India’s semi-finals against New Zealand. Pant got off to a solid start against the Kiwi pacers but was dismissed as the batter attempted a wild heave across the line against spinner Mitchell Santner. India went on to lose the knock-out match by 18 runs.

Internet was flooded with tweets on Pant’s immature shot selection. Many questioned his spot in the team as the youngster has been found guilty of throwing his wicket away time and again.

~ Written by Sayantan Bhattacharjee