Danish Kaneria Raises Questions On The Indian Captain Ahead Of The Test Match
Rishabh Pant, Danish Kaneria, and Virat Kohli (Image Source: Twitter)
Before the home T20I series against South Africa, players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were given rest. However, on the eve of the series opener, KL Rahul also got ruled out of the series due to his groin injury. Then, the captaincy duties got shifted to Rishabh Pant for that series.
It was a great opportunity for this Indian wicketkeeper batter to lead the Team on the home soil. After making a few mistakes in the first two matches, he did well as India made a roaring comeback in the next two. But, a former Pakistan cricketer, Danish Kaneria raised questions about the appointment of Pant as the captain of the side.
“He is not even mature enough to be a captain” – Danish Kaneria
Speaking on his YouTube channel, this former Pakistan spinner said that he does not find Rishabh Pant mature enough to be the captain of India. He said: “He is not even mature enough to be a captain. Because Rohit is doubtful for the Test match. Let’s see,”
He also expressed that it is quite surprising for him as the name of Virat Kohli has not come up still for the captaincy. “When we talk about captaincy, there are three-four names which are coming up and Virat Kohli’s name is not there. I was surprised that Kohli’s name has not been suggested.” Kaneria said.
He also emphasized the senior players more for captaincy. He added: “Pant’s name is there, Jasprit Bumrah’s name is there. They might lead the team at Edgbaston. Because Cheteshwar Pujara has been playing for so long, he is the senior-most player on the team, he can lead the team if Rohit Sharma is not there. The best option you have got is Virat Kohli. You can make him the captain. Ravichandran Ashwin is another name which is coming up to be the captain is Rohit is not there,”
Kaneria also said the added responsibility of captaincy affected the batting form of Pant in the South Africa series. “Kohli is one of the best choices as captain if Rohit Sharma is not available. You also have Ashwin. Pant was given the captaincy in the South Africa series and he did a horrible job. His own batting collapses when he does captaincy. Rishabh Pant should not be the captain anymore. Ravichandran Ashwin can be a good choice. I think the load should not be on Bumrah. he should concentrate on his bowling. It is Test cricket. I would not keep Bumrah or Pant for captaincy,” he concluded.
