Sourav Ganguly says it will take 15 years of consistency for Rishabh Pant to be next MS Dhoni

Rishabh Pant has been under intense scrutiny for a while now, having failed to capitalize on his chances in white-ball cricket. However, he has got backing of both skipper Virat Kohli and his deputy Rohit Sharma.

Addressing the media ahead of India vs West Indies series, Kohli on Thursday said the 22-year-old cannot be isolated to an extent that he starts feeling nervous and also said that it is “disrespectful” that fans chant Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s name Pant makes mistakes on the field.

It’s good for him (Pant). He should get used to it. Let him hear it and let him find a way to succeed. He will be under pressure and let him go through it and figure out on his own,” Ganguly said during the ‘India Today Conclave (East)’ on Friday.

The BCCI president also refused to reveal the board’s plans with regards to Dhoni’s future. The former India captain said it will take 15 years of consistency for Pant to be the next Dhoni.

Every day, you don’t get MS Dhoni. It will take Pant 15 years to achieve what MS has achieved,” he said.

The BCCI can’t be thankful enough to MS for what he has done for Indian cricket. We will leave it at that. We are speaking to Virat, the selectors, that’s what it is. We will address (Dhoni future) as and when it comes,” he said.

Following India’s exit in the 2019 World Cup at the hands of New Zealand, Dhoni has been on a sabbatical and has refused to comment on his future in the team till January.

While some argue that the three-time ICC trophy winning captain should call it a day with dignity and not prolong his career, others argue that the batsman still has fuel left in his tank.

But India is yet to find a responsible hand behind the wickets and that is where Dhoni is always missed.

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