Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one of India’s most successful captains and one of the finest finishers of the game when it comes to limited overs format.
Cricket news: Agarkar wants Pant to be introduced to the shorter format as early as possible
But former Indian speedster Ajit Agarkar believes that Dhoni has become just a shadow of his former self on the ground and wants the management to move ahead with time.
Agarkar suggests that the young prodigy Rishabh Pant should be given more chances and should be introduced to limited overs format in place of the legendary wicketkeeper.
Dhoni’s batting form has gone downhill in recent times and over the past several months his slow batting has garnered a lot of criticism.
The 37-year-old veteran could not do much with the bat in the recently concluded Asia Cup, though his glove work was still impressive. It is his batting form that has raised a lot of clamour especially because of the upcoming World Cup in May-July 2019.
However on the other hand, young Rishabh Pant has scored his first Test century in his third Test, scoring 114 against England at the Oval.
In the first Test at home against West Indies, he scored 92 off 84 balls and the recent form of the 21-year-old player has raised voices over his inclusion to limited overs format.
“I can’t believe he (Pant) is not part of India’s shorter format setup,” Agarkar was quoted by ESPNCricinfo. Agarkar also said that no harm will be caused if MSD is given rest and a youngster is given a chance.
“Hopefully they do that (ODI for Pant) sooner, rather than later, against the West Indies in the ODI series. There are five ODIs and there will be an opportunity to play him somewhere, whether as a batter or a wicketkeeper. I mean you know what Dhoni can do and there is no harm in resting him for a couple of games,” Agarkar said.
Agarkar also feels that Pant will fit in the No. 6 slot as the left-handed batsman fits the top six purely because of his hitting ability.
After the two-match Test series is concluded, India will play five ODIs and three T20Is against West Indies.