Hyderabad: Newly appointed Delhi Capitals Assistant coach and franchise's head talent scout Pravin Amre has seen Rishabh Pant from close quarters and feels the left-handed batsman possess the capability to play all formats of the game and is a much improved wicketkeeper now.
However, Pant's keeping attribute remains to be seen as he missed two catches of debutant Will Pucovski in the third Test match at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Pucovski went on to score crucial 62 runs for the hosts putting India on the backfoot.
In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, Amre was all praise for Pant, his improved glovework and ability to play all formats of the game.
Excerpts:
Q. How would you assess Pant's performance in the second Test at MCG?
A. Pant must have enjoyed his partnership with Ajinkya Rahane. He played an important role in getting that 29 runs, which was so important in the last match. It will boost his confidence a lot. We know what capacity Rishabh possesses. He is the kind of player who has got a hundred in a Test match in Australia. He is fully capable and the last match will give him a world of confidence in what he wanted to do, especially under pressure.
Q. Was it the right selection in choosing Pant over Wriddhiman Saha in the second Test?
A. From here we can't say anything because the team management knows who is in form, what is good for the team and the call is from them.
Q. Why do you think Pant shines in Tests and has not replicated the same in the shorter format of the game?
A. I personally feel Pant plays with freedom in Test matches. He gets value for his good shots also because there are a lot of gaps in Test cricket and he is capable of doing well in white-ball also. He has got power in his shots and that's important. His time will come after making some small adjustments. He is experienced enough to do that. But he has got a talent to play all formats.
Q. How would you rate Pant as a wicketkeeper?
A. Pant is one of the keepers who has got the highest catches for Team India. He has done well under pressure. Cricket is such a game that there is always room to improve.
-- Ayushmaan Pandey
