Crossing The Line Between Fearlessness And Recklessness - Is Rishabh Pant In Danger Of Becoming India's Shahid Afridi?

There are puzzles and mysteries in the world that continue to form part of the debate - mars exploration, alien invasion, and then there is the curious case of Rishabh Pant.

Of all the things very mystifying - India's wicket keeper batsman Rishabh Pant's batting can be more crass and less amusing. His batting on its day is fluent and dashing - but that is on full display only once every Amazon big shopping sale.

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A very rare occasion indeed.

Having caught the eye in the 2015¨C16 Ranji Trophy season, Rishabh Pant soon came on the radar of Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals, who swooped him for Rs1.9 crore in 2016.

Having made his debut in 2017, Pant has so far flattered to deceive. His recklessness has cost him dear so far in his young career, resulting in questions being asked off his temperament and ability.

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Seen as an apparent heir to MS Dhoni, he has so far failed in his audition. The former Indian captain Dhoni is 38, and in twilight of his career. He is not far away from calling it quits, and team India has been looking at an able replacement.

Many names have been discussed about who will replace the former captain eventually, but it is Rishabh Pant, in whom the selectors have shown their faith in.

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The swashbuckling and aggressive Pant has been given a consistent run in the Indian team in last year or so, but has disappointed with his approach.

While his wicket-keeping has been good, his batting has been horrendous. It is the short selection and the manner of his dismissals that have left Indian selectors scratching their heads.

It is no easy task to walk into the team and replace India's most successful captain and wicket-keeper. Anyone who replaces Dhoni will have to find his own path, you simply can't be Dhoni.

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There is no doubt Pant has the potential and talent to deliver on his early promise, but he is running out of time. His mode of batting is reminiscing of Pakistan's Shahid Afridi. The most unpredictable tale ever.

With Shahid Afridi, you never knew what you would get on the day. From ball one he would go hammering and tongs, it usually didn't pay off. But Afridi being an all-rounder was more handy with the ball.

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Rishabh Pant simply doesn't have that luxury, he is a wicket-keeper, who is expected to be consistent with the bat. So, far he has been anything but consistent.

He has had a decent start to his Test career, having scored a century each in England and Australia. In 11 Test matches that Pant has played so far, he averages shade over 44.

But it is the limited overs where he has been criticised for giving his wicket away cheaply. He has struggled to get going and thrown it away. Having been pushed to bat at number two, the 21 year-old has been rash and immature.

In 12 ODIs, he has posted a highest score of 48 at an average of close to 23. While in 20 T-20s, he is scoring at 20.31, with 2 fifties. He clearly looks like a Afridi in disguise, but if it continues, he will soon find it difficult to keep his place.

Rishabh Pant has to get his act together, or else he will be in danger of ruining his career.