Team India is on a month-long tour of West Indies during which they will play 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs, and 2 Test matches. Former Indian skipper and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni missed the tour as he was unavailable for the team’s selection due to injury.
Dhoni is currently with the Indian Army, training with the paramilitary regiment and performing guard duties in Kashmir.
In Dhoni’s absence, Indian selectors picked Rishabh Pant and Wriddhiman Saha as the wicket-keeping options for the tour.
Speaking to BCCI ahead of the first T20I against West Indies, Kohli said, “His (MS Dhoni’s) experience has always been a crucial factor for us. Having said that, as I said, its a great opportunity for someone like Rishabh Pant to really to play a lot of international cricket. You know, show his credentials really, unleash his potential at this stage.
“We know how much ability he (Rishabh Pant) has and we all want him to become a consistent performer for the Indian cricket team.”
“MS’ experience is always gonna be a very very crucial factor but having said that as I said some of these younger guys have a great opportunity ahead of them. And, they should just look forward to it and I think Rishab is really looking forward to his opportunity.,” Kohli added.
MS Dhoni's absence is the perfect opportunity for @RishabhPant17 to gain experience and unleash his potential – #TeamIndia Captain @imVkohli ahead of the 1st T20I against West Indies.#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/1r3QjpuLZl
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 3, 2019
Team India is set to play its first two T20I matches at Lauderhill in Florida.
