Ian Smith gives Rishabh Pant's future a big tick
Updated On: 27 February, 2020 07:36 AM IST | Vimal Kumar
Despite a promising start in the first innings at Wellington, the Delhi wicketkeeper sacrificed his wicket (was run out on 19) for senior Ajinkya Rahane after a miscommunication.
Rishabh Pant and Ian Smith
Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Ian Smith is highly impressed with Rishabh Pant. "We are going to see a lot of Pant. It's not about just playing the game but living it. Maybe, he has to learn a few things and they [team management] are teaching him the virtues of patience," said Ian Smith, who has been a popular television commentator for several years now.
Despite a promising start in the first innings at Wellington, the Delhi wicketkeeper sacrificed his wicket (was run out on 19) for senior Ajinkya Rahane after a miscommunication. In the second innings, Pant's cameo (25 off 44 balls, 4x4) saved India the ignominy of an innings defeat. "The name of Rishabh Pant will be bigger in Indian cricket. Mark my words," said Smith.
The stocky former stumper who played in the 1980s and 1990s figured in 63 Tests, 98 ODIs and has 260 international dismissals to his name.
However, despite his admiration for Pant, the 1983, 1987 and 1992 World Cupper misses the presence of MS Dhoni in the touring party. "How can you not miss MS Dhoni on a cricket field? He has been a great leader and a great finisher. He almost won you the World Cup [2019] semi-final. I admire him and love talking about him, but time moves on and at some stage you have to accept that new generation will get a chance," said Smith who will celebrate his 63rd birthday on the eve of Saturday's Christchurch Test.
ADVERTISEMENT
Poll
Who will win the Punjab Elections?
Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
Trending Stories
Latest Web Stories
Latest Photos
06 August, 2026 08:34 PM IST | In Photos: Hiroshima Day Silent Peace March 2026
Preshit Deorukhkar
17 December, 2025 11:56 AM IST | IN PHOTOS: MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan during Maharashtra Legislative Council polls
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:32 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: People in Mumbai celebrate Gauri Puja during Ganeshotsav
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:13 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: Mumbai witnesses sunny weather as rains take a break
Asif Ali Sayed
Latest Videos
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest Headlines
12 August, 2026 07:33 PM IST | Oshin Fernandes
10 August, 2026 07:17 PM IST | Test Tushar
10 August, 2026 11:49 AM IST | Makepeace Sitlhou
06 August, 2026 08:34 PM IST | Preshit Deorukhkar