SUNNY BATS FOR PANT

We need to look beyond Dhoni now: Gavaskar

New Delhi, Sept. 20: Former captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar believes that time has come for Indian cricket to “look beyond Mahendra Singh Dhoni” and invest in youth going into next year’s World T20 in Australia.

However, there has been a raging debate on the options available as Rishabh Pant has not been able to grab his opportunities. But he remains Gavaskar’s “top-choice” going into the marquee event next year.

Asked if Dhoni should be picked for the Bangladesh tour, Gavaskar replied in the negative. “No, we need to look beyond. Mahendra Singh Dhoni at least doesn’t figure in my team. If you are talking about the T20 World Cup, I will certainly think about Rishabh Pant,” Gavaskar told Aaj Tak.

For Gavaskar, if Pant doesn’t do well, then Sanju Samson is the next best option. “If I need to have an alternate option, then I will think of Sanju Samson because Sanju is a good ‘keeper as well as a good batsman.

“If I have to think of the T20 World Cup, I would think about youth as we need to look forward. Dhoni has made great contribution to Indian cricket but it’s now time to look beyond him,” the iconic opener said.

Later on India Today channel, Gavaskar said: “I think he (Dhoni) should be going without being pushed out.”

Dhoni, who is yet to announce his international retirement, took a twomonth sabbatical from the sport after the ODI World Cup but the current selection committee has already indicated that it doesn’t want to look behind. However, Pant’s inconsistency and poor shot-selection is hurting the team’s interest as head coach Ravi Shastri had recently pointed out.

Batting coach Vikram Rathour too reminded the team’s youngsters about the difference between a “fearless and careless” approach. Gavaskar, on his part, wants to check whether the young keeperbatsman is batting at the correct number.

“The way he (Pant) started his career in Tests, it was so good and it is obvious that he will be scrutinised.”

We need to look beyond. Dhoni at least doesn’t figure in my team. If you are talking about the T20 World Cup, I will certainly think about Rishabh Pant —SUNIL GAVASKAR

— AP Rishabh Pant during a training session ahead of the third T20 against South Africa in Bengaluru.

— AP (from left) Former India cricketer Rahul Dravid interacts with Shikhar Dhawan during a training session in Bengaluru on Friday.