Former Pakistan player Danish Kaneria has shared that Team India should stop backing wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant in white-ball cricket as well. While speaking on his YouTube channel, he added that while Pant has had a chance to bat at several positions, he has failed to use all the chances with a good performance in limited-overs cricket as well.
Meanwhile, Kaneria added that Sanju Samson should get the chance over the left-handed batter in the upcoming fixtures as well.
“India should accept the fact that Rishabh Pant is not a white-ball cricketer. They have tired him at every position in the order, just so that he can score runs. But what about Sanju Samson? Did he do anything wrong by scoring 36 runs? From fans to former players, everyone has expressed displeasure over this. All this is very demoralizing for Sanju Samson, as he is being treated like an average cricketer,” Danish Kaneria stated.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant struggled to score in the white-ball series against New Zealand. He scored just 17 runs from two T20Is while playing as an opener as well. His poor show continued in the ODI series, finishing with 25 runs.
Sanju Samson, on the other hand, was quite impressive in the ODI series opener. He scored 36 runs. However, he could not make it to the playing XI in the remaining two games as well.
“Deepak Hooda was dancing when the ball started to seam” – Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria also mentioned that the team management dropped Deepak Hooda when he was in fine form. He stated that it had a major effect on his morale, which is why he is now struggling to score much as well.
The former leg-spinner further added: “Deepak Hooda was dancing when the ball started to seam. He didn’t understand what was happening. The team management dropped him when he was doing well, shattering his confidence. Now he has been asked to play in a tough situation where he doesn’t know what to do.”
However, New Zealand secured a 1-0 series win over India. The visitors finished a comprehensive seven-wicket win in the first ODI, while the other two ended in no result due to persistent rain as well.
“You want to make four or five different teams, but at least form one proper team first. There is no harm in having separate squads for different formats, but at least the players should get a fair chance to prove their worth. Otherwise, you will continue to be unsuccessful in clinching an ICC trophy. Everyone will be busy in the IPL now. But what about the downfall of Indian cricket? They must accept the reality. Their form has been declining constantly,” Danish Kaneria concluded.
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