Pant, a replica of Dhoni feel Srikkanth and Ponting

Both Cheeka and Punter opined that Pant should be patient in the beginning of his innings and should open himself up only in the slog overs.

New Delhi : World Cup winners Krishnamachari 'Cheeka' Srikkanth and Ricky 'Punter' Ponting believe that team India has got a replica of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the form of Rishabh Pant , who, apart from keeping wickets can be a good finisher.

It is likely that 21 year old Rishav Pant will be the second wicket keeper in the Indian world cup squad after MSD.

Both Cheeka and Punter opined that Pant should be patient in the beginning of his innings and should open himself up only in the slog overs.

Read : Team India clicked from the knock outs in 2011 WC : Gary Kirsten

“He goes too hard right at the start. He needs to play in the ‘V’ the first few balls then set his eyes. He has every capabilities of being a match winner in the true sense,” said Cheeka.

Kris Srikkanth

“He has great ability and a range of shots to make it up in the end,” added the 1983 World Cup winner.1999, 2003 and 2007 world cup winner Punter feels Pant should preserve his wicket for the end instead of doing things 'quickly'.However Punter , Pant's IPL coach , said he won't be asking Pant to change his batting style and wants Pant to play his natural game.

Ricky Ponting

"I’m not gonna tell him to slow down because if he plays his game he is sure to win matches for us ,” said the three time world cup winner.