Showering praise on Delhi Capitals’ wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, former India batsman VVS Laxman said Pant is ‘the future of Indian cricket’ despite not finding a place in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019.

With 488 runs a strike rate of 162.69 in 16 matches, Rishabh Pant finished as the second highest run getter for Delhi Capitals behind Shikhar Dhawan, who amassed 521 runs. Pant, however could not get DC to their maiden IPL final as they lost to CSK by six wickets on Friday in the second Qualifier at Visakhapatnam.

Laxman’s comments though came after Pant had led DC’s chase in the eliminator against SRH.

“He is clearly the future of Indian cricket, and it pleased me no end to witness the maturity he showed, though he will be disappointed that he wasn’t around to finish off the job,” Laxman wrote in his column for The Times of India, citing Pant’s 21-ball 49 in DC’s win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Eliminator.

Pant’s blistering innings ensured victory for DC but his dismissal when they needed just 5 runs from 7 balls drew criticism from some quarters.

“He showcased his ability with a savage assault on Basil Thampi,” the Test icon, who is also SRH’s mentor, added. “As painful as it was to be at the receiving end, it was also exhilarating to see Rishabh take on the bowlers.”

Laxman was also impressed with DC opener Prithvi Shaw.

“Prithvi Shaw was brilliant. I was impressed with the fearlessness with which he struck the ball despite being dropped,” he wrote.

First Published: May 11, 2019 12:00 IST