Former Indian batsman and now a commentator VVS Laxman believes Rishabh Pant’s addition in the T20I squad will strengthen India’s finishing might. Pant had lost his place in the ODI and T20I squad after KL Rahul had grabbed his opportunity in the limited-overs format.
However, after consistent performances in the Test format, Pant has been added to India’s T20I squad for the five-match T20I series against England. Pant has the skills to hit the ground running and he can take the attack on the opposition bowlers from the get-go.
On the other hand, India has been dependent on Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja to provide the finishing touches to the team’s total in the shortest format of the game since MS Dhoni’s retirement. Thus, Pant can help these two batsmen with his pyrotechnics.
The left-hander has a great record in the Indian Premier League but he hasn’t quite grabbed his opportunities in the limited-overs format while playing for the national team.
Pant now has the confidence under his belt as he had scored 270 at an average of 54 in the four-match Test series against England, including a brilliant knock of 101 runs in the fourth Test. Furthermore, Pant had a successful tour of Australia as he scored 274 runs in three Test matches.
“It is going to be a big series for him and his addition will strengthen the finishers in the Indian team. Over the last 1-1.5 years, we are overly dependent on only Hardik Pandya. Jadeja comes at No.7 but he plays cameos but if there is one batsman in that Indian batting lineup who from the first ball can play those big shots, it is Hardik Pandya,” said Laxman while talking on Star Sports show Game Plan.
“Rishabh Pant, with the kind of form and maturity with which he has batted in the Test matches, I think he will be a match-winner. We have seen him play under pressure for the Delhi Capitals and win matches,” added Laxman.
Laxman is hopeful that the Indian team management doesn’t judge Rishabh Pant’s performance on the basis of one or two innings and give him a long run which he deserves.
Pant has delivered the goods for Delhi Capitals in the IPL as he has amassed 2079 runs in 68 matches at an impressive average of 35.24 and a whirlwind strike rate of 151.97.
The five-match T20I series against England begins on March 12th at the Narendra Modi Stadium and Pant will aim to grab his opportunity.
