Team India is constantly facing questions from the media and former players about why Rishabh Pant gets so much backing despite having Sanju Samson in the squad.
Team India’s stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan has now given a sharp verdict that might put an end to Pant vs Samson debate.
Shikhar Dhawan backs Rishabh Pant for the wicketkeeper spot
The third ODI between India and New Zealand was abandoned due to rain with New Zealand winning the series 2-1. In the post-match press conference, Shikhar Dhawan was asked about the Pant vs Samson debate going on in the media to which he had a clear-cut reply which might put a full stop on the discussion at least for some time.
“Rishabh scored a century in England. Of course, when someone hits a ton, they are backed. A larger picture is seen, that he is a match-winner and needs to be backed. The decision is taken after a lot of analysis. Of course, Sanju is doing well and he has done well in opportunities he has received, but sometimes you have to wait despite doing well as the other player also is performing well and is a match-winner,” Dhawan said in the post-match press conference responding to the query about team management backing Rishabh Pant.
Rishabh Pant played 12 ODIs this year and has scored 336 runs at an average of 37.33, with one century and two fifties. His best score of 125* came against England in the third ODI in a match-winning cause. Shikhar Dhawan referred to this knock which helped India in clinching the ODI series against England while clarifying why Pant is getting a long run in ODIs.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson has scored 284 runs at an average of 71.00 in the 10 ODIs he has played this year. The Kerala batter has finished innings unbeaten five times, with his best score being 86*, and is now looked upon as a genuine match finisher. The responsibility Pant and Samson get in the ODI set are quite different and the Indian team might have to start thinking about which player to back ahead of the ODI World Cup in 2023.