Harbhajan Singh inspects how MS Dhoni aided Rishabh Pant: The veteran off-spinner was quick to analyse India’s match-winning partnership.
During the second T20I of the ongoing India’s tour of New Zealand at Auckland, India wicket-keeper batsman-duo of Rishabh Pant and Mahendra Singh Dhoni stitched an unbeaten 44-run partnership for the fourth wicket to seal the chase for India as the visitors leveled the series 1-1.
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Pant had come in to bat at No. 3 in the 10th over after the Indian openers provided India with a 79-run opening stand. With the required run rate under control unlike the first T20I, all Pant required was to spend time at the crease than desperately go for the big shots.
After all-rounder Vijay Shankar (14) was dismissed in the 14th over, Dhoni joined Pant which perhaps further aided the southpaw to stay unbeaten till the end. Speaking to Sports Tak, veteran India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believed the same that it was Dhoni’s presence which helped Pant remain unbeaten.
“Rishabh Pant made full use of his opportunity today and batting with MS Dhoni. When he hit a few casual shots, Dhoni walked up to him and explained what he needed to do. After that he played safer shots, down the ground and hit only the balls which were there to be hit,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying.
There is no hiding to the fact that the ongoing T20I series is more like an audition for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 for Pant. Highlighting the same, Harbhajan mentioned that the 21-year old cricketer will have to continue scoring runs to impress the selectors.
“Every opportunity will take Pant closer to the World Cup squad, especially if he continues to keep scoring like this. I fell he has that X factor which India will need in the World Cup. Pant is someone who can change games,” Harbhajan said.
