Shikhar Dhawan: “You have to see the larger picture and who is your match winner.”

Shikhar Dhawan, India’s stand-in captain, stated on Wednesday that Rishabh Pant is a proven “match-winner” who deserves complete support from the team management during this trying period. Dhawan also told Sanju Samson to wait his turn.

The left-handed Pant, known for his showmanship, was out for a 16-ball 10 after misjudging a high ball as India were bowled out for 219 in the third and final ODI against New Zealand.

“Overall you have to see the larger picture and who is your match winner. You analyze and your decisions are based on that,” Dhawan told reporters in a press conference.

Samson, however, impressed in fewer opportunities, particularly in the home ODIs against South Africa last month. The Kerala stumper was dismissed after scoring 36 in the opening ODI in Auckland.

Dhawan stated that being in the captain’s shoes while making difficult decisions, like as selecting Pant over Samson, is “not impossible.”

“Of course, Sanju Samson has been doing really well in whatever opportunity he got. But sometimes you got to wait for your chances, because the other player has done well and we know based on his skill that he’s a match-winner. So you need to back him when he’s not doing well,” explained Dhawan.

In a joint press conference, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said it’s a challenge to play a side like India, which has so much quality.

“The Indian team and the country is blessed with so much talent that sometimes you are faced with challenges that you have to weigh out different options,” Williamson said. “It’s sometimes tough, it’s a challenge, but one of those things. As a leader you are part of some decision-making, you try to move forward as a collective unit,” he added.

India won the T20 leg 1-0, while the hosts won the ODI by the same score. Rain, on the other hand, was the apparent winner in the six-match white-ball series, washing out three games. The Duckworth/Lewis system was used to decide one match.

“It’s frustrating. We can’t control rain. But yes, we got opportunities, and got a chance to discuss our flaws, where we can improve. We discuss all that and analyse,” Dhawan stated.

“The team bonding will be our biggest positive. The main team will now play in Bangladesh. But if one or two may get injured, this experience will come handy there. The young players from this series will get a chance,” he concluded.

The series premieres on December 4th.