“India had to take a call two months ago” – Aakash Chopra on Rishabh Pant vs Dinesh Karthik debate

Cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra has called out the Indian management for still not knowing their first-choice wicketkeeper. There have been continuous confusion in the minds of Rohit Sharma & Co. about whom to pick between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik for the primary role.

The former Indian cricketer points out the negatives if Pant marks his presence in the playing XI. As per Chopra, Pant’s inclusion will demote Hardik Pandya in the batting order, which makes his impact minimal. He also expressed his concerns over the left-handed batter, who hasn’t played much and has shown form.

There are a lot of arguments in favour of Pant playing in place of DK vs England. But a couple of things to note: 1. If Pant plays, Hardik likely to bat at 6. That reduces his batting impact considerably.
2. Pant has hardly played in this tournament. Form?
1/n
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 9, 2022

Chopra also said that if the management’s plan was to use Pant against leg spinners, then he should have played against Pakistan to counter Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawab. He also stated that the Men in Blue should have decided their no.1 wicketkeeper two months ago in the Asia Cup itself.

Don’t judge a fish for his ability to climb a tree. Or else you’d be disappointed and also, call the Fish a ‘failure’.
IMHO, India had to take a call on Pant v DK two months ago. Asia Cup was where you should’ve known who’s the first choice. And then stick with him. Ends. ?
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 9, 2022

Will Dinesh Karthik return to XI?

Dinesh Karthik started at the T20 World Cup 2022 being the preferred choice for the finishing role. However, he was dropped in the last match against Zimbabwe and Rishabh Pant was given a chance. The decision was made after Karthik’s failure to make an impact with the bat in the tournament.

But if we assess it closely, Karthik was unfortunate and made the scapegoat. In four matches, he got the opportunity to bat only three times, out of which he was run-out twice. Pant, on the other hand, also failed to utilize the opportunity as he was dismissed on just three.

It will be interesting to see if the Men in Blue bring back Karthik or go ahead with Pant in the semifinal match against England on Thursday (November 10). While the veteran keeper can do the finishing role perfectly, Pant can play his high-risk game and go hard in the middle order.