‘It’s very unacceptable’ – Dinesh Karthik squashes Rishabh Pant’s comparison to MS Dhoni

Rishabh Pant was viewed as the ultimate successor for MS Dhoni when the veteran decided to hang his boots. The comparisons started when people started drawing parallels between Pant and Dhoni’s batting style. The southpaw recently equaled the former India captain’s record for the most number of centuries by a wicketkeeper for India in Tests.

With a flourish, Rishabh Pant achieved his sixth Test century, earning accolades from many as the best Indian wicketkeeper. Amidst all the controversy, former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has broken with convention and rated Dhoni as having a greater effect on Indian cricket as a wicketkeeper-batter. Karthik noted that Dhoni scored when it meant most for the squad, while also praising his leadership qualities.

“It is completely unjustifiable to claim that after just 34 Test matches, he is now India’s best wicketkeeper hitter. He’s clearly on track and will go down as India’s all-time greatest wicketkeeper, but let’s take our time and avoid drawing hasty judgements,” Karthik was reported as saying.

Don’t undervalue Dhoni’s abilities as a wicketkeeper either. In addition to his outstanding fielding, batting, and run-scoring when it counted most for India, he guided his team to the World Test Championship, which is quickly rising to the top. Thus, you have to consider all of it when talking about a player overall,” he continued.

I pay no attention to what’s being said: Rishabh Pant

Coincidentally, Pant scored a century against Bangladesh in Chennai, Dhoni’s IPL home stadium. Known for his audacious batting style, the 26-year-old is seen carrying out the same exercise. When speaking about his experience playing in Chennai following India’s victory in the opening Test at Chepauk, Pant also mentioned that he ignores the outer world and concentrates on his game.

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This is the home ground for CSK. This is where Mahi bhai has played a lot of cricket. However, as I’ve previously stated, I want to be true to myself. I don’t pay attention to what is going on around me or what people are saying. I keep things basic and concentrate on doing my very best. I had a great time here, and I thought the atmosphere was fantastic,” Pant said.