WI v IND | Rishabh Pant is God-gifted, but still needs to learn a lot, says Syed Kirmani

In his short international career, Pant has been inconsistent at best. His indiscreet shot selection during the World Cup and particularly the ongoing West Indies tour has left many disappointed. No one, not even Kirmani, who played 88 Tests for India, denies the talent that lies within the 21-year-old Pant. 

"Yeh abhi jhule mein hai (He is still in his infancy). But he is God gifted but needs to learn a lot. It's the most difficult position on the field. Not everyone can do keeping by just wearing a pair of gloves," Kirmani told PTI.

The BCCI national selection committee, led by MSK Prasad, has vowed to give Pant ample time to make the position his own, but Kirmani makes a strong case for the No.2 option, Saha. 

"Saha, unfortunately, had some injury problems. He has to be given equal opportunity. What's the point of keeping him in the side, if you do not give him a chance. We have to judge on pure performance. Saha came to Indian side following his consistency at the domestic level. But when you're out of the picture, somebody else takes over your place, so the likes of Karthik and Pant came into the picture. Now we have to see who's is more consistent on the field – be it in batting, wicketkeeping or in terms of all-round abilities," Kirmani said.

MS Dhoni, again a wicket-keeper, is another hotly debated topic among the Indian cricket fans. However, the 69-year-old Kirmani wants nothing to do with the constant speculation and feels the media and the fans should leave Dhoni to himself. However, Kirmani did express his desire to have Dhoni play a grooming role with the youngsters in the side before calling it quits.

“Leave him alone. There will be a time when he will retire, but we must stop talking about his retirement now. The way he has captained the Indian team, he’s the best captain ever. He has taken the Indian team to the highest level in Test cricket, in ODI, in T20s," he said.

“Dhoni should stay as he’s a big role model for the young Indian cricketers. He must stay. He already has stepped aside from Tests. It’s his decision. We should not interfere," he added.