Published 10:19 IST, October 29th 2019
India's fielding coach makes huge statement on Pant or Saha question
Team India's fielding coach R Sridhar had a decisive response to those posing the Wriddhiman Saha or Pant question for the team's first-choice wicketkeeper
Team India's fielding coach R Sridhar had a decisive response to those posing the Saha or Pant question for the team's first-choice wicketkeeper. Rishabh Pant has been named as India's first-choice wicketkeeper in the shorter formats of the game in the absence of and as a successor-like to MS Dhoni. Wriddhiman Saha, who made his return to the Test side, looks like he has cemented his spot in the side for the longer format of the game as he repaid the selectors' and captain's belief by showcasing his skills behind the wicket. The selectors have clearly established that Indian cricket was moving on and that youngsters would be given more opportunities. At this juncture, India's fielding coach addressed one of the most important questions targetting the team's keeper.
Pant or Saha? R Sridhar's response
Speaking to a prominent newspaper, R Sridhar said that it was unfair to compare Saha and Pant as the former was experienced while the latter was young and that both of them have their strengths. The fielding coach was of the opinion that Pant is India's future in wicketkeeping whereas Saha was the present and that both were performing brilliantly. Reposing his faith in Saha despite the wicketkeeper's injury-marred career, R Sridhar said that Saha had a good outing with South Africa and that his skills behind the wicket were a treat for fans.
MSK Prasad on MS Dhoni
Prasad said he has already mentioned that it's time to think beyond Dhoni and it reflected in their team selections. "I made it very clear, post World Cup that we are moving on. We are giving opportunities to youngsters and see that they establish themselves in the side. With Rishabh Pant doing so well and Sanju Samson coming into the side, I am sure, you must be understanding our thought process," Prasad said. "We definitely had a chat with Dhoni and he also endorses our view of backing youngsters."Putting his weight firmly behind Pant, Prasad said, "Post World Cup, I have been very clear on this, that after World Cup we have started backing Rishabh Pant. So we will still back him (Pant) and see that he progresses well."Of course, he might not have the best of the matches, the way we expect of him, but we can still only make a player by backing somebody. So we are confident that he will come out successful and that's been the thought process post World Cup and we focusing on Rishabh Pant." So we will still back him (Pant) and see that he progresses well.
"Of course, he might not have the best of the matches, the way we expect of him, but we can still only make a player by backing somebody. So we are confident that he will come out successful and that's been the thought process post World Cup and we focusing on Rishabh Pant."On Dhoni's future, the former cricketer said, that is purely his personal call. "Going into domestic cricket, getting his touch back or thoughts about retirement, everything is purely his personal decision. We've already laid the roadmap for the future, I'm sure you can see in the way we are selecting the teams."The five-man panel also handed young all-rounder Shivam Dube a place in the squad.
Updated 10:33 IST, October 29th 2019