If not Rishabh Pant, then Sanju Samson is the next best option to replace MS Dhoni, says Sunil Gavaskar
Former Indian captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar reckons that Sanju Samson is the next best option to replace MS Dhoni, in case Rishabh Pant continues his poor run. Gavaskar remains confident that Pant can rectify his mistakes once he is settled into a fixed slot in the batting lineup.
As has been the prevailing opinion in Indian cricket for quite some time now, Gavaskar, too, wants the team to look beyond the legendary MSD. Gavaskar feels that the time has come for the Men in Blue to make this change as they go into next year's World T20 in Australia.
"We need to look beyond. Mahendra Singh Dhoni at least doesn't figure in my team. If you are talking about the T20 World Cup, I will certainly think about Rishabh Pant. If I need to have an alternate option, then I will think of Sanju Samson because Sanju is a good 'keeper as well as a good batsman.," Gavaskar told Aaj Tak.
"If I have to think of the T20 World Cup, I would think about youth as we need to look forward. Dhoni has made a great contribution to Indian cricket but it's now time to look beyond him."
However, Pant's inconsistency and poor shot-selection have already hurt the team on more than a few occasions already. Head coach Ravi Shastri pointed the same out, while new batting coach Vikram Rathour reminded the team's youngsters about the difference between a "fearless and careless" approach. Gavaskar, meanwhile, wants the backroom staff to fix a permanent role for Pant in the batting order.Â
"What is Rishabh's position in the batting order -- No 4 or 5? Going into the World T20 in Australia, we will know his (batting) position better. The way he (Pant) started his career in Tests, it was so good and it is obvious that he will be scrutinised. I think whatever is happening is for his good as he can rectify the mistakes he is making," Gavaskar added.