Two uncapped players picked in South Africa’s T20 WC squad
Among the notable inclusions are Anrich Nortje and Quinton de Kock, who were recently excluded from Cricket South Africa’s central contract list.
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels it is not fair to criticise Rishabh Pant so early in his career and said the team management, along with skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri, should talk to the young talent.
Pant, who is India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in all three formats, has been under scanner for his inconsistency and poor shot selection in the recent limited over series against West Indies and South Africa.
“I feel if you focus solely on a young player, who has been in the international arena for just around a year, he will feel the pressure,” Gambhir said on the sidelines of an event.
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Notably, Pant is the first Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to score Test centuries in Australia and England.
Praising Pant, Gambhir said, “In such a short time, he (Pant) has smashed two Test tons. If you don’t find his shot selections ideal, it is his style of play. If you give him a chance in the team then kindly back him and it is wrong to criticise him so early.”
“Not only (Virat) Kohli but also coach Ravi Shastri should talk to Pant. It is the duty of the team management to personally talk to the player who is not in form or if he is not perfect with his shot selection as it would help him improve and regain his touch. There is a need to give him freedom,” he added.
(With inputs from IANS)
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