Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh on Tuesday called for an end to the constant criticism of Rishabh Pant, saying the young stumper-batsman desperately needs guidance from captain Virat Kohli or anyone who can understand his psyche.
Yuvraj said Pant doesn’t deserve the criticism coming his way and needs the support of Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri to overcome the slump. Pant has been drawing flak for failing to grab his chances and getting out to rash shots despite being given a long rope by the Indian team management.
“I really don’t know what is happening with him (Rishabh). He is facing a lot of criticism which is not needed. Somebody needs to get the best out of him,” Yuvraj said.
“The people monitoring him, the coach (Ravi Shastri), the captain (Kohli) have to guide him,” the former left-handed batsman added.
“At the moment the thing is in IPL, the young guys are getting a lot of money. So somebody needs to tell them how to go about their business and tell them what is their priority. Somebody really needs to talk to them,” Yuvraj said.
“That guy has got two away Test hundreds. He has a lot of potential. He is an outstanding talent. Someone should know how to read him, how to encourage him, point him what he needs to focus on,” he added.
“If you feel he is the most talented wicket-keeper batsman we have then stick with him, give him more chances. Go and tell him to play domestic cricket. You need to give him confidence, by criticising you won’t get anything out of him,” he said.
