We Need To Look Beyond Dhoni Now, Pant is My Choice For World T20: Sunil Gavaskar

Mumbai: Mission T20 World Cup is on its row as India recently defeated South Africa in its second T20 match, meanwhile all eyes will be on wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant as he would be the key players in this 13 months before T20 World Cup.

On the other hand, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar says that it is the time for Indian cricket to “look beyond Mahendra Singh Dhoni” and invest in youth going into next year’s World T20 in Australia.

However, the available options have been strongly debated as Rishabh Pant has not been able to seize his opportunities. But he remains the “top-choice” of Gavaskar who is going to the marquee event to be held next year.

For Gavaskar, if Pant does not perform well, Sanju Samson is the next best option.

He said, if I need an alternative, then I would think of Sanju Samson because Sanju is a good ‘keeper’ as well as a good batsman.

The iconic opener said, “If I have to think about the T20 World Cup, I will think of the youth because we need to look forward. Dhoni has contributed a lot in Indian cricket.

Asked if Dhoni should be selected for the Bangladesh tour, Gavaskar replied in the negative.

Gavaskar said to Aaj Tak, “No, we need to move forward. Mahendra Singh Dhoni does not come in my team at least. If you are talking about the T20 World Cup, I am definitely I will think of Rishabh Pant. ”

Gavaskar wants to see from his side whether the young keeper-batsman is batting in the right numbers.
Gavaskar said, “What is Rishabh’s position in the batting order – No. 4 or 5? Going into Australia in

the World T20, we get to know his (batting) position better.”

But Gavaskar admitted that he started his international career after the tug of war.

Dhoni, who is yet to announce his international retirement, took a two-month break from the game after the ODI World Cup but the current selection committee has already indicated that he does not want to look back.

However, Pant’s inconsistency and poor shot-selection are affecting the team’s interest as head coach Ravi Shastri recently reported. Batting coach Vikram Rathore also reminded the youth of the team about the difference between a “fearless and reckless” approach.

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