Cricket

Asia Cup 2022: I disagree to have Rishabh Pant instead of Hardik Pandya – Gautam Gambhir not happy with team’s selection

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was not happy with the team’s selection for the Asia Cup match against Hong Kong. India played Rishabh Pant in place of Hardik Pandya and Gambhir felt it was not a like for like replacement for replacement.

Gambhir wanted Deepak Hooda to be part of the final XI as he could have contributed a few overs with the ball.

Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik was given a nod ahead of Rishabh Pant in the high-octane clash against Pakistan. However, both Pant and Karthik played against Hong Kong and Hardik Pandya was rested to manage his workload.

“I disagree to have Rishabh Pant instead of Hardik Pandya. I would have definitely had someone like Deepak Hooda, who can bowl a couple of overs as well”, Gambhir told Star Sports.

“That’s more of a like-to-like replacement as well and he (Hooda) hasn’t done anything wrong. So for me, Rishabh Pant should play, but instead of Dinesh Karthik. If you are resting Hardik Pandya, then I think Deepak Hooda deserves a go”, Gambhir added.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant didn’t get to bat in the match against Hong Kong as India posted an above-par score of 192 runs after losing only two wickets.

On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan were expensive in their bowling spells as they conceded a total of 97 runs in the eight overs they bowled collectively. In fact, Virat Kohli was given the ball by Rohit Sharma and Deepak Hooda could have been given a couple of overs had he played.

Ravindra Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal conceded only 33 runs in the eight overs they bowled collectively and thus Hooda would have definitely made a difference with his off-spin.

Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and India have qualified for the Super Four of the Asia Cup while the winner of the match between Pakistan and Hong Kong will join these three teams in the next stage of the Asia Cup.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Ravi Shastri says opening Test loss against England is a tough pill to swallow for India

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the opening Test loss against England is a… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says England batters’ approach made Jasprit Bumrah desperate for wickets in 2nd innings of 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes England batters were able to find a way… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says Karun Nair will be disappointed with his opening Test performance against England

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Karun Nair will be disappointed after he failed… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron criticizes Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron slammed Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in the opening Test match… Read More

June 26, 2025

Greg Chappell hails Rishabh Pant after ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test, says he is reinventing the game

Former Australian batter Greg Chappell has lavished praise on Rishabh Pant after the opening Test… Read More

June 26, 2025

Geoffrey Boycott slams Yashasvi Jaiswal for dropping catches in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Former England opener Sir Geoffrey Boycott criticized Yashasvi Jaiswal for dropping catches in the opening… Read More

June 26, 2025