“Pant has been doing well at Number 4”: VVS Laxman adamant to back Rishabh Pant in ODIs

The start of the 3rd ODI between India and New Zealand got delayed a little due to rain, which allowed VVS Laxman to have a conversation with Amazon Prime Video. The weather has been like that throughout this series, and the forecast for the rest of the day is not great as well.

Kane Williamson won the toss and asked India to bat first again, and as expected, India played with the same team in this match as well. Sanju Samson again was forced to sit on the bench despite playing a decent knock in the first ODI. India wants a 6th bowling option, and Deepak Hooda fits that criteria.

ALSO READ: Sanju Samson vs Rishabh Pant debate

It is harsh to Sanju Samson as he is not getting his deserved opportunities, and people want Rishabh Pant to get dropped. Although, it must be acknowledged that Pant has done reasonably well in the ODI format. Pant has been assigned the number 4 role, and he is expected to get backed at that position.

VVS Laxman adamant to back Rishabh Pant in ODIs

VVS Laxman, who is serving as the head coach of the Indian team on the New Zealand tour talked about the importance of the Rishabh Pant in the ODIs ahead of the 3rd ODI in Christchurch. There is a lot of scrutiny going around Pant, but Laxman has called him an important asset to the team.

Laxman reminded everyone that Pant scored a century against England at Old Trafford in Manchester to pull out an important win for the Indian team. He was adamant that Pant should get the backing in the ODI format of the game, and he will cater some good results for the side.

“Pant has been doing well at no.4, not too long ago he scored an important century at Old Trafford and it’s important to back him,” VVS Laxman said in an interaction with Amazon Prime Video.

It has to be agreed that Pant has done well in the ODIs, but his poor T20I performances sometimes overshadow his ODI success. Rishabh said that he wants to open in the T20I format, whereas he is okay to bat in the middle-order in the ODIs. Laxman also lauded the bench strength of the Indian cricket setup.