Xtra Time Web Desk: A day after former West Indian legend Brian Lara spoke highly of Rishabh Pant, former England captain Kevin Piertersen shared completely different views on the Indian wicketkeeper batsman. According to Pietersen, Pant has not shown any significant growth since making an entry in international cricket in 2017. The Delhi Capital’s cricketer has failed to score a substantial knock in each of his 6 innings in the ongoing IPL 2020. Pant has so far scored 31, 37*, 28, 38, 37 and 5. in the first five IPL matches for the Delhi Capitals. On Friday against Rajasthan Royals, Pant was dismissed cheaply for 5.
“Rishabh Pant is somebody who disappoints. Because he is someone, I expect so much from,” Pietersen said on Star Sports. “And, I am yet to consistently see him giving performances with the bat day in and day out. In order to get that Indian tag, and to play international cricket, you need some consistencies. You need to get better. I am seeing the same player I saw a year before, and a year before, and a year before that. As long as he has been playing, he’s been inconsistent.”
A couple of days back former West Indies captain Brian Lara spoke highly about Pant, praising his rise in international cricket. The cricketer from Delhi is talented no doubt and was even tipped to take over the role of wicketkeeper in the Indian team since the retirement of MS Dhoni.
The former England cricketer even questioned the dedication of Pant compared to Sanju Samson.
According to Pietersen, “I see a complete difference in Sanju Samson. The dedication, the commitment he put in to turning up for this year’s IPL that impressed me. That actually got him ahead of Rishabh Pant for me, just purely from diet-base, fitness base and from dedication.”