Gambhir backs Pant, says Kohli and Shastri should talk to him

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels it is not fair to criticise Rishabh Pant so early in his career and urged skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri to guide him on shot selection.

Pant, who is India's first choice wicketkeeper in all three formats, received flak for his poor shot selection following a string of low scores in the recent limited over series against West Indies and South Africa.

"I feel if you focus solely on a young player, who has been in the international arena for just around a year, he will feel the pressure," Gambhir said on the sidelines of an event.

"In such a short time, he (Pant) has smashed two Test tons. If you don't find his shot selections ideal, it is his style of play. If you give him a chance in the team then kindly back him and it is wrong to criticise him so early.

"Not only (Virat) Kohli but also coach Ravi Shastri should talk to Pant. It is the duty of the team management to personally talk to the player who is not in form or if he is not perfect with his shot selection as it would help him improve and regain his touch. There is a need to give him freedom," he explained.

There has been a lot of speculation regarding former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's retirement after he made himself unavailable for the series against West Indies and South Africa.

"I have always said that the decision to retire is anyone's personal call. I feel the selectors should talk to Dhoni and ask him about his plans because if you play for India, you cannot select the series you want to play," Gambhir said.

On the conflict of interest issue surrounding former captain Rahul Dravid, Gambhir said: "It is a tough question. Nothing could be better for the country and the youngsters if Dravid is the NCA coach."