Rishabh Pant talented but sloppy behind the stumps: Farokh Engineer

Rishabh Pant has been finding it hard to seal his place in the Indian team on a long term basis. He could have easily established himself as a viable asset by now. But the youngster is struggling to find form in the last few months. Needless to say that the selectors are being patient with Pant and are giving him a plethora of opportunities to revive his lost self.

MSK Prasad lauded his capabilities recently and advised Pant to not compare himself with MS Dhoni which will put more pressure on him. Meanwhile, the former Indian wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has called Rishabh Pant ‘talented’, but has questioned his technique behind the stumps.

“Pant is an extremely talented wicketkeeper, but his technique is flawed,” said Engineer during an event at the CCI in Mumbai on Thursday according to the Times of India. Farokh Engineer also recalled that he had a candid chat with the youngster during the World Cup in England earlier this year and wished he has had a couple of training sessions with him.

According to him, Rishabh Pant can go on to become the next big thing in Indian cricket if he sorts out his existing woes. “I had a chat with Rishabh Pant at Old Trafford during the World Cup. We spoke for about half-an-hour. I wish I had him with me for just two or three net sessions and he would be a much, much better wicketkeeper,” the 81-year-old further added.

Farokh Engineer confident of Rishabh Pant will soon hit the ground

Despite the fact that Rishabh Pant’s wicketkeeping in England during India’s Test tour was hailed by many, he came under fire for throwing his wicket cheaply. Even during the limited-overs series against South Africa and Bangladesh at home, he was sub-standard behind the wickets and his place in the team isn’t secured anymore. Nonetheless, Engineer added that he has complete faith and confidence in Pant taking the game to the next level.

“I have confidence. But you don’t want to encroach on people’s toes. There are batting coaches, fielding coaches and all that, but what can a fielding coach tell Pant about wicketkeeping? I feel everyone’s there just to criticise the young man and poor guy, there’s more pressure on him. I feel the young keeper should be nursed,” he added in a statement.

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