Pant Tries to Do What Dhoni Does But He is Nowhere Near It: Pujara
Cricket has always been a game of strategy, and captaincy is a crucial aspect of it. With the rise of aggressive batting in the modern era, the role of a finisher has become increasingly important. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), we have seen many captains come and go, each with their own unique approach to the game. In the recent match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC), LSG captain Rishabh Pant once again came under scrutiny for his batting approach.
Cheteshwar Pujara, a former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter, was recently quoted as saying that Pant is trying to emulate the success of MS Dhoni, but he is nowhere near it. Pujara’s comments came after Pant batted at number seven in the match against DC, which ultimately ended in a loss for LSG.
Pant’s batting position has been a topic of discussion throughout the tournament, with many fans and experts questioning his ability to finish matches. Pujara, who has had his own share of success in the IPL, believes that Pant is not a finisher and should be batting in the middle overs instead.
“He’s trying to do what MS Dhoni does, but he’s nowhere near that,” Pujara said in an interview. “He should be batting in the middle overs between six and 15. He’s not a finisher.”
Pujara’s comments are not without merit. Dhoni’s success as a finisher in the IPL was unparalleled, and his ability to take the game away from the opposition in the final overs was a key factor in CSK’s multiple championship wins. Pant, on the other hand, has struggled to replicate that success, often finding himself under pressure to score quickly in the final overs.
Pant’s batting style is often criticized for being too aggressive, and his tendency to get out to rash shots has cost LSG crucial matches. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his inability to rotate the strike and play sensibly has held him back from achieving consistent success.
Pujara’s suggestion that Pant should be batting in the middle overs makes sense, given the team’s overall batting lineup. LSG has a strong top-order, with the likes of KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, and Evin Lewis, who are capable of setting up the game for the team. Pant, therefore, would be better suited to batting in the middle overs, where he can rotate the strike and build a partnership with other batsmen.
Pujara’s comments have sparked a debate in the cricketing community, with some fans defending Pant’s batting approach and others agreeing with Pujara’s assessment. Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it is clear that Pant has a lot to work on if he wants to become a successful finisher in the IPL.
In conclusion, Pujara’s comments are a reminder that cricket is a game of strategy and tactics, and captains like Pant need to adapt to the situation to succeed. While Pant’s aggressive batting style may have worked in some matches, it is clear that he needs to work on his game to become a more successful finisher. As the IPL continues, it will be interesting to see how Pant responds to the criticism and whether he can adapt to the demands of the game.
