The debate of Rishabh Pant vs MS Dhoni for India’s T20 World Cup squad seems never-ending. Several cricketers and cricket experts have already weighed in the debate. The latest one to talk to put forth his views is former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar.
Recently, while answering queries related to the same on the Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected, Sanjay Manjrekar opined that the upcoming two editions of the IPL will decide the fate of Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni for India’s T20 World Cup. As per Sanjay Manjrekar, the squad for T20 World Cup could undergo significant changes based on the performances of each player in the next two editions of the IPL. He said:
“The last time we saw the Indian T20 team it looked a certain way but there is going to be at least 2 IPLs I think before the next T20 World Cup. So you will have a lot of these performances coming and changing the dynamics a little bit.”
He added:
“People who feel cemented or established in the team, will all be challenged. It will be wonderful to watch, people like Rahul who at the moment looks a certainty. Rishabh Pant gets 2 IPLs to stake a claim, Dhoni will be playing 2 IPLs. So it will be fun.”
Furthermore, Sanjay Manjrekar was asked if the upcoming edition of the IPL would be a big one for Sanju Samson to recommend his name for the t20 World Cup as well, answering which he said that Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant both are very unpredictable. He said:
“People like Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, for me as an analyst watching the players and trying to make an assessment, sometimes predictions go right or wrong, they are both slightly enigmatic for me.”
However, he feels Rishabh Pant has an x-factor, which will make him win matches. He said:
“Rishabh Pant, definitely there is something there. There is an X-factor and he will suddenly win you games in 10 minutes, that you thought you were losing.”
Praising Sanju Samson, he said:
“Sanju Samson as well, the kind of batting that he has got when he is on song, he just takes your breath away.”
He added:
“But finally consistency and generally winning performances is important, there is so much cricket happening and people clamouring for a batting position.” He continued:“Talent is there, class is there, potential is there but finally I am going to look at Sanju Samson’s performances and Rishabh Pant’s numbers as well to make a judgement on them.”
“So, it is another big IPL and all everyone wants from them is consistency. It can’t be one good innings and then 3-4 failures where it seems that you have just thrown it away.”
