Rishabh Pant: New kid on the (cricket) block

New Delhi: Catch ‘em young. This is one school of thought in cricket while other school like Sunil Gavaskar propounds the theory that one should play.

A couple of domestic season before blooding into national scene. Also the one should be made to earn his place in the national side.

We have seen the example of Yuvraj Singh who was drafted into Indian team direct from junior cricket. The same debate is sure to be kicked off in the case of Delhi Ranji player Rishabh Pant.

A 18-ball fifty in Under 19 World Cup on February 1,2016, an IPL contract on February 6, 2016 and a century in junior WC on the same day- all at the age of 19. It followed back to back centuries including a 308 off only 326 balls in Ranji Trophy match against Maharashtra on Sunday.

Proving his batting prowess in Shehwagian style in all three formats at the first class level- Ranji Trophy , U-19 World Cup and IPL- Rishabh has arrived .

Now a million dollar question, should he be pitched into national scene or is it too early. Rishabh is wicket keeper-batsman , the breed ready to take the mantle from likes of Dhoni. The timing is all important at this juncture for any budding player. People might say that many of seasoned domestic players like Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Karun Nair and even Manoj Tiwari had to slog it out for years to receive recognition but the case of Rishabh should be taken as exception.

A almost run-a –ball triple century in Ranji match by any 19 year old is no mean feat. That too in reply to Maharashtra’s mammoth total of 635 though falling short of 45 runs. Also the back to back Ranji tons in only four Ranji Matches has already given this attacking batsman all round acclaim.

Dear selectors, are you watching?

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