BCCI has made it clear that India wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant, with uncertainty over Dhoni's future, has become the preferred choice in all three formats. However, Pant has time and again invited a lot of critical comments from fans and cricket pundits after he failed to convert his innings into big knocks.

On his comparison with legend MS Dhoni, Pant on Wednesday said that he loves Dhoni and is not bothered about comparisons with the decorated former India captain, rather choosing to focus on his own game.

A Dhoni-less India squad will lock horns with South Africa in a home series, starting from September 15th and the selectors want young Pant to be "groomed" ahead of T20I World Cup, next year.

"I just love him. I am focussing on my cricket and taking one match at a time. I am trying to improve everyday," Pant said at an event here when asked about Dhoni.

Pant said he is working really hard to win more games for his country.

"The team played really well (in the West Indies). I am looking forward to improve myself and helping team India to win more matches."

Asked about the South Africa series, he said: "We have practiced really well and mindset is good. We will look to do well."

Pant said there will be home advantage, but the Proteas are a good unit too.

"Our planning is going well. We will have home advantage but they are a good side," he concluded.