Virat Kohli and Shastri should speak to Rishabh Pant: Gautam Gambhir

New Delhi: Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels it would be wrong to mount pressure on young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and the team management should back him.

Pant has been inducted in all the three formats of the game for Team India. While the 21-year-old has performed well in Tests, he has been found struggling in the limited-overs format and has been criticised for his poor shot selection and careless approach.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, Gambhir said: “I feel if you focus solely on a young player, who has been in the international arena for just around a year, he will feel the pressure. In such a short time, he (Pant) has smashed two Test tons. If you don’t find his shot selections ideal, it is his style of play. If you give him a chance in the team then kindly back him and it is wrong to criticise him so early.

“Not only (Virat) Kohli but also coach Ravi Shastri should talk to Pant. It is the duty of the team management to personally talk to the player who is not in form or if he is not perfect with his shot selection as it would help him improve and regain his touch. There is a need to give him freedom,” he added.

Gambhir also spoke on the issues regarding conflict of interests in the BCCI as former captain Rahul Dravid was also recently found guilty of it. “It is a tough question. Nothing could be better for the country and the youngsters if Dravid is the NCA coach,” he opined. IANS

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