T20 WC brand ambassador Yuvraj backs Rohit & Virat in squad
Karthik started the last T20 World Cup in Australia as India’s designated keeper before losing his spot ahead of the team’s semifinal defeat to England.
Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh on Tuesday backed Rishabh Pant, saying the wicketkeeper-batsman has a lot of potential. Meanwhile, Yuvraj added that the young talent desperately needs guidance from captain Virat Kohli, coaches and people monitoring him.
“I really don’t know what is happening with him (Rishabh). He is facing a lot of criticism which is not needed. Somebody needs to get the best out of him,” Yuvraj said on the sidelines of ‘The Sports Movement’ summit of the India On Track organisation.
Notably, Pant, who became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to register Test centuries in Australia and England, struggled during the away series against the West Indies last month before disappointing with the scores of 4 and 19 in the recent home T20 International series against South Africa.
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Praising Pant for his achievements, Yuvraj said, “That guy has got two away Test hundreds. He has a lot of potential. He is an outstanding talent. Someone should know how to read him, how to encourage him, point him what he needs to focus on. The people monitoring him, the coach (Ravi Shastri), the captain (Kohli) have to guide him.”
Meanwhile, Yuvraj feels that “suppressing” and “criticising” Pant will not help to get the best out of him.
“If you feel he is the most talented wicket-keeper batsman we have then stick with him, give him more chances. Go and tell him to play domestic cricket. You need to give him confidence, by criticising you won’t get anything out of him,” pointed Yuvi.
“How you get the best out of him is completely based on his character. You need to understand his character, you need to understand his psychology and work according to that. If you are going to suppress him, you are not going to get the best out of him,” said the southpaw.
“We need somebody to talk to these guys, ask them what are their feelings about the game, what can be done to make them play better,” he added.
(With inputs from PTI)
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