Pant can be an X factor for India, says Rathour

But the 22-year-old southpaw, who has 38 international appearances behind him in white ball cricket, hasn’t been able to replicate such eye-catching displays at the highest level. A wicketkeeper seen as an heir to long-serving veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Pant has been backed by the captain, backroom staff and the selectors despite repeated failures.

India batting coach Vikram Rathour stressed the youngster has immense potential and asserted everyone believes he could be an X factor. “All of us feel he is a player who can come good. He is working on his fitness. Once he startsgetting runs, he can be a match-winner,” said Rathour, ahead of the first One-Day International between India and the West Indies at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here.

“He is is looking good in the nets. He has been decent in T20s. In the third (T20) match in Mumbai, he was asked to do a certain job which he did. Though it didn’t come off, that’s what the team looks for. These things are bound to happen on certain days,” added Rathour, who replaced Sanjay Bangar recently. In Dhoni’s absence, the Delhi lad has been an ever-present in the shortest formats of the game in recent months but has had little success. With KL Rahul taking up wicketkeeping duties for his state side Karnataka and Sanju Samson making it to the T20 squads, the pressure seems to be mounting on Pant.

Asked if it’s time for Pant to take a break from international cricket, Rathour responded, “I don’t think so. We are hoping he just comes good soon. Having Rahul as the gloveman is an option but that is something the team management will have to see.” India has been on a rampantrun at home irrespective of the opponents – South Africa, Bangladesh and the West Indies.

Rathour wanted the host to add another series in its bag, against a “strong side”. “We are facing one of the good teams in the shorter formats. We are looking to win. There are some issues we need to tick as a unit in the 50-over format.” In IPL 2019, the Chepauk strip was generally on the slower side, often producing low-scoring contests.

On what to expect from the wicket on the matchday, Rathour remarked, “It might play a little slow. But we will take it as it goes. We had a look at it (on Friday). It looks a decent and well-prepared pitch.”– SS