India vs West Indies 2019: Virat Kohli lends support to under-fire Rishabh Pant

What’s the story?

Indian skipper, Virat Kohli lent support to under-fire wicket-keeper, Rishabh Pant on the eve of the first game of the three-match T20I series between India and West Indies. The former also talked about how certain aspects needed to be kept in mind to create the requisite environment for a youngster of Pant’s ilk to perform consistently.

In case you didn’t know

The Delhi Capitals wicket-keeper and his outings with the national side have been scrutinised significantly ever since he portrayed a slight bit of irresponsibility in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final.

Additionally, MS Dhoni’s sabbatical from the sport thereafter has led to the fan base getting impatient with Pant, with many even clamouring for his head.

The heart of the matter

A day before India take the field against the West Indies, Kohli, in no uncertain terms stated that the team completely backed Pant and that they were willing to accord him a hint of time to settle in. Moreover, the Indian captain also talked about the roles everyone has to perform to facilitate a healthy atmosphere for the youngster. Kohli quipped,

We certainly believe in Rishabh's ability. But I think it's a collective responsibility of everyone around as well to give that player some space to do well. If he misses a chance, people can't shout MS' (Dhoni) name in the stadium as well. It's not respectful because no player would like that to happen. You are playing in your own country and you should get support rather than always thinking what mistake this guy is gonna make. No one wants to be in that position.

Kohli also added that it was the team’s responsibility to make Pant feel valued and provide him with a sense of belonging, meaning that the latter shouldn’t be inclined to think that those around want him to fail. He echoed the words of Rohit Sharma and talked about how Pant needed to be left alone and allowed adequate time to develop.

Additionally, the skipper also mentioned that the team had complete faith that Pant would ultimately blossom into a match-winner and that there weren’t any ideas revolving around changing his batting position, thereby quelling rumours of the left-hander being pushed up the order in Shikhar Dhawan’s absence.

What’s next?

India lock horns with the West Indies on the 6th of December in the first T20I at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The Indians, despite remaining unbeaten in their previous two home T20I assignments, have showcased a few deficiencies in the shortest format, meaning that the Caribbean outfit could try to exploit those frailties.

Thus, the series seems primed to provide a wonderful cricketing spectacle.