Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman is of the opinion that the inclusion of Rishabh Pant to the Indian T20I squad will strengthen the team's finishers against England.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has worked hard to get back to form after lowly returns in IPL 2020 and a few series before the COVID-19 pandemic. He had lost his place in the T20I setup but has earned a call-up yet again on the basis of his batting in the Test series against Australia and England.
Taking his current form into consideration, the 23-year-old might make a comeback to India's T20I side in the series against England that starts from Friday, March 12.
VVS Laxman said on Star Sports' show Game Plan, "It is going to be a big series for him (Pant) and his addition will strengthen the finishers in the Indian team. Over the last 1-1.5 years, we are overly dependent on only Hardik Pandya."
"Jadeja comes at No.7 but he plays cameos but if there is one batsman in that Indian batting lineup who from the first ball can play those big shots, it is Hardik Pandya," he added.
The former cricketer looks at Pant as a match winner citing his performances for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. Laxman is also happy with the fact that the 23-year-old has increased his maturity levels when it comes to his batting and that can add to his match-finishing prowess.
The 46-year-old said, “Rishabh Pant, with the kind of form and maturity with which he has batted in the Test matches, I think he will be a match-winner. We have seen him play under pressure for the Delhi Capitals and win matches.”
"Rishabh Pant will break MS Dhoni’s records," says Kiran More
“We know as a left-hand batsman he gives that option where the opposition captain can feel the heat once he gets going. I think he is a great addition,” he added.
However, Laxman fears that the team management might drop him yet again if he fails to perform in the first couple of games. With the T20 World Cup 2021 not long away, Pant should be given a long rope according to the former Indian cricketer.
“I just hope that they don't judge him by one or two innings because if you are keeping in mind the World Cup, give him a long rope and once he has that security we know that he can win matches just by himself," Laxman concluded.
