Coaches of Rishabh Pant unhappy with his exclusion from CT 2017 squad

Young Indian batsman Rishabh Pant has been a revelation in Indian cricket this season. The youngster has broken multiple records at a bare age of 19. The Delhi batsman slammed a triple ton this domestic season and went on to score the fastest Ranji Trophy century as well. He translated his good form in the ongoing edition of the IPL to get into the eyes of the selectors and cricket pundits.

His superlative knock of 97 in the match against Gujarat Lions earned him a lot of praises. No wonder why there were speculations that the youngster could tour to England along with the Indian team for the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy. Much to his disappointment, he was not picked up in the 15 man squad. Among the many people who were disappointed with his snub, the two prominent ones were his coaches.

His childhood coach Tarak Sinha and Delhi coach Bhaskar Pillai recently expressed their disappointment over the exclusion of Rishabh Pant from the Champions Trophy squad in a conversation with the Mid Day. Tarak Sinha, whose academy Rishabh Pant joined at the age of 12, noted that the southpaw still has a long way to go in his career.

“Yes, it is disappointing that he was not picked for the Champions Trophy. He is just 19 and has time. Definitely, he will play for India. He has to work a bit more on his batting. There is no limit to improve,” Sinha quoted.

Meanwhile, Pillai also voiced a similar opinion saying he has time at his disposal. He believes that Pant will get his due share of chances a couple of seasons later. He cited that it is because of the tough English conditions that the team opted to go with senior players.

“He is still young. There is plenty of time for him. Maybe he’ll get a chance after one or two seasons. I am not saying he is not ready for the big stage. The conditions in England are always tough and this could be the only reason that they opted for experienced players,” quoted Pillai.

Commenting on the game play of Rishabh Pant, Pillai said that the player needs to work on his consistency. Also, he lauded the hand-eye coordination of the 19-year old batsman. The confidence that he carries on the field is something that sets him apart in the league of other players.

“I watched him closely. I think he requires a little more consistency, which I think will only come with more maturity and experience. Confidence is his strength. He has tremendous hand-eye coordination. Whatever he does, he is very confident about it. If he wants to hit the very first ball, he will hit it with confidence. His confidence of clearing the field is solid,” Pillai conceded further.