Don't think Pant has a place in the ODI team right now, says Gambhir

Retired Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir believes that explosive wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant will have to wait for his chance in the ODI team, and doesn't see him in the mix so close to the 2019 World Cup.

Speaking to the media for the launch of a Funngage, a scholarship program, in Bengaluru, the World Cup winner said that the presence of two wicket-keepers, MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik, in the ODI setup makes it difficult for the 21-year-old Pant to make the cut.

When asked if Pant has a place in the ODI team right now, Gambhir said: "I don't think so. They've got MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik there. He (Pant) can wait for his opportunity. He's obviously done well in Tests and he has got the right things with him".

"But ff you have got MS Dhoni, who has just bagged the Man of the Series, he deserves to be there now. India needs someone like MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik close to the World Cup. He's been in decent form over the last four-five months and a couple of series".

"The good thing is Pant is keeping them on their toes, which is always a good sign for Indian cricket. The youngsters are pushing the seniors".

"He's probably the best bowler in the world" - Gambhir

Speaking about Jasprit Bumrah's impact in the side, and how difficult it is for batsman to face him even three years into his international career, the 37-year-old said:

"It's just the quality. People have asked me about Sunil Narine, and what makes him special as well, and it's quality. Mystery is something which can be obviously solved over a period of time but it's just about Bumrah's quality".

He added, "People can keep talking about his action and stuff, but he's just a quality bowler. Action can help only in one format, probably in T20s where you have to go after the bowling but he's been so successful in Test cricket that shows that he's probably the best bowler in the world in all three formats, and he's been doing well in the ODI format as well. It's just the overall consistency in quality and skill that you have."