Former India wicket-keeper Kiran More, who is working on with Rishabh Pant to improve his batting technique and glove-work behind the stumps, feels he is a talented wicket-keeper and is fast improving. More reckons that there is no need to put more pressure on Pant by comparing him to Dhoni or Saha.
“There is no doubt that Saha is the best wicketkeeper, but Pant is India’s second-best ‘keeper. He is fast improving. You cannot get a century in England and Australia if you lack skills to bat. Not to forget, he [scored those centuries] on his first tours to Australia and England. He is a great talent. We have to give him some time to settle down. He is learning a lot and is quite intelligent. He can absorb advise very quickly,” More told mid-day.
The former India stumper has been working with Pant for some months now. “Yes, I have been coaching him, but I have not got many sessions. We talk regularly over the phone. I told Ravi Shastri [head coach] that I need a week at a stretch with him,” said More.
One of the main criticism against Pant has been his irresponsible batting, especially in crunch situations. More felt Pant is maturing quickly. “Yes, he has to be cautious while batting, but all attacking players have the habit of scoring at a faster pace. I am sure he will also learn to bat according to the situation. He has played only 11 Test matches and effected 51 catches and two stumping. This only shows he is a good wicketkeeper.
“Let him play few more games and he will definitely be an asset for India. He is a great talent. The more plays, the more mature he will be. I am hopeful that he will become an excellent wicketkeeper in the days to come,” signed off More.
