World Cup 2019 | Rishabh Pant hasn’t done enough to go to World Cup, feels Gautam Gambhir

BCCI selectors have caused an uproar by not selecting Rishabh Pant in the World Cup squad as they went with an experienced Dinesh Karthik as a backup for MS Dhoni. However, while everyone is sympathizing with the young southpaw being unjustly excluded, his first-class captain, Gambhir has justified the selection stating that Pant didn’t take his chances.

Pant was given a chance to prove his mettle after a successful England outing in whites. However, in the five ODIs that he played against Australia and Windies, he could score only 93 runs at an average of 23.25. 

“I think there should be no debate about Rishabh Pant’s exclusion but more about Ambati Rayudu,” Gambhir told PTI during an interview on Tuesday.

“This is not a setback at all. Why is it a setback? He has not consistently been part of white-ball cricket. He got his opportunity but unfortunately couldn’t grab it. So it cannot be termed a setback. You have age on your side, so just keep performing. He was never a part of white ball cricket consistently and it was the selectors’ call between him and DK. He shouldn’t think too much about it."

Rayudu, although drew less sympathy with his underwhelming performances of late, saw Gambhir defending him. “It is very, very unfortunate that someone averaging 48 in white ball-cricket and is only 33 has been left out. That for me is more heartbreaking than any other selection decision,” said Gambhir.

Gambhir revealed that he had been in a similar situation when the selectors didn’t select him in the 2007 World Cup, held in West Indies, and he had even contemplated quitting.

“I feel sorry for him as I was in a similar position in 2007, when they (erstwhile selectors) didn’t pick me and I know how difficult it is not being picked for the World Cup. Ultimately for any young kid, it is a childhood dream to be a part of the big event. So, I feel more sorry for Rayudu more than any other cricketer, who hasn’t been picked,” said Gambhir.