Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel wants the team management to include Rishabh Pant in the playing XI in the Asia Cup. Dinesh Karthik was preferred ahead of Pant in the high-octane clash against Pakistan, which was the team’s opening game of the Asia Cup.
Pant got a place a starting XI against Hong Kong as he replaced Hardik Pandya, who was rested. However, Pant didn’t get a chance to bat as India lost only two wickets and posted an-above par score of 192 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Pant hasn’t been that consistent in the shortest format of the game and thus Dinesh Karthik, who has been doing a fine job as a finisher, was preferred in the final XI against Pakistan.
However, there is no doubt that Pant can change the match on its head with his blistering batting. Patel questioned KL Rahul’s place in the team as he is making a slow return to the team after injury.
Parthiv Patel said on Cricbuzz, “You have to include Pant in that playing XI somehow. He is a game-changer. He also gives a left-right combination. There is no doubt about KL Rahul’s ability, but the injuries he has had and the limited number of games he has played puts a doubt with the World Cup being so close.”
Meanwhile, India had promoted Ravindra Jadeja to number four place in the batting order to have a left-hander in the middle against Pakistan.
On the other hand, former Indian batter Ajay Jadeja feels Pant’s absence in the playing XI is a no-brainer for him. Jadeja feels Pant has the ability to rescue the team if they lose their top order early in big matches.
“His wicket-keeping has certainly improved and I don’t think there is a batter who has played like that across all formats.”
Jadeja added: “India’s problem in ICC events has mainly been the inability to win big matches after losing the top order. But you need players who can step up in such situations, so Pant’s presence in that playing XI is a no-brainer for me.”
India is likely to face Pakistan (if the Babar Azam-led team wins on Friday against Hong Kong) on Sunday.
