IPL 2017 hero Rishabh Pant's coaches rue his Champions Trophy snub

It is not often that a batsman grabs eyeballs and starts creating a buzz within just two years of making his domestic debut. Such has been the potential of Delhi's wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant

DD'S Pant hits a six during an IPL match vs Gujarat Lions at the Feroz Shah Kotla last week. Pic/PTI

It is not often that a batsman grabs eyeballs and starts creating a buzz within just two years of making his domestic debut. Such has been the potential of Delhi's wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.

Thanks to the platform Indian Premier League (IPL) has provided, the 19-year-old Delhi Daredevils southpaw, who recently smashed a 43-ball 97 against Gujarat Lions, grabbed the opportunity with both hands and put himself as a potential candidate for Team India.

But, all expectations of Pant making the cut for the Champions Trophy to be held in England from June 1, came crashing down. Pant's childhood coach Tarak Sinha and Delhi coach Bhaskar Pillai, who have coached Pant, were a little disappointed with his non-inclusion. However, they are confident that Pant will don national colours soon. "Yes, it is disappointing that he was not picked for the Champions Trophy," Sinha told mid-day yesterday.

Tarak Sinha

Pant joined Sinha's Sonnet Club when he was just 12. "He is just 19 and has time. Definitely, he will play for India. He has to work a bit more on his batting. There is no limit to improve," Sinha added.

"He is still young. There is plenty of time for him. Maybe he'll get a chance after one or two seasons," Pillai said.

Bhaskar Pillai

"I am not saying he is not ready for the big stage. The conditions in England are always tough and this could be the only reason that they opted for experienced players," he added.

Pillai explained that Pant lacks consistency in his game after watching him play in the Ranji Trophy last season.

"I watched him closely. I think he requires a little more consistency, which I think will only come with more maturity and experience," said Pillai.

"Confidence is his strength. He has tremendous hand-eye coordination. Whatever he does, he is very confident about it. If he wants to hit the very first ball, he will hit it with confidence. His confidence of clearing the field is solid," Pillai added.

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