Before 24 hours there were rumours making the rounds that Delhi Daredevils batsman Rishabh Pant could get a nod ahead of Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the Champions Trophy, but that was a rumour that remained that way. Pant did not get a spot in the line-up as selectors went for MSD over Pant. After the selection was over, chief selector MSK Prasad spoke about MSD and much more.
He said, “He (Mahendra Singh Dhoni) is an invaluable asset to the team and his inputs in crunch situations, he has got one of the best brains. He is the best person to guide Virat,” Prasad said about the two-time World Champion skipper.
“Not many people realise, that in last 10-12 years, Dhoni has never had a bad day with the gloves. We always treat him as a batsman but phenomenal stuff he does behind the wickets, not many people appreciate that. According to me, he is still the best wicketkeeper in world cricket.”
“We are completely impressed by how Rishabh Pant is playing. It’s just combination because of which he missed out. He is one cricketer we are looking at for our future. He is definitely a solution for our future.
“There is no need to worry as he has a long career ahead of him. We will groom him and back him. We will ensure that he is successful in future,” the chairman explained.
Adding on he said, “In 50 overs tournament, we have to check all-round capabilities. We are happy that the likes of Rahul Tripathi or Thampi are shaping up.”
