“If they decide to go with Hardik Pandya as….”- Sunil Gavaskar explains how India can play with two wicketkeepers- Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik
Follow Us
Rishabh Pant (L), Dinesh Karthik (M), and Sunil Gavaskar (R)
Rohit Sharma‘s men will clash against their arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday [October 23]. But ahead of the high-octane match, debate on playing eleven, players’ combinations, predictions, and so on have started.
The legendary Sunil Gavaskar feels India can walk out onto the field with two wicketkeepers- Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik. Speaking exclusively on Star Sports’ show ‘Cricket Live’, Gavaskar explained how using Hardik Pandya as the fifth bowler can allow both Pant and Karthik.
“It’s just that maybe, if they decide to go with six bowlers, with Hardik Pandya being the sixth bowler, then he (Pant) may not be able to find a place, but if they decide to go with Hardik Pandya as fifth bowler, then Rishabh Pant has an opportunity to bat at number six and Karthik maybe at number seven, followed by the four bowlers. So, that could well happen, we just have to wait and see,” said Gavaskar.
However, Gavaskar is not fully satisfied with what he said. He also feels that since the top-order batters are in good form, Pant might get three-four overs. “How many overs Rishabh Pant is going to get in? Is he going to get three or four overs? And for three or four overs, is Karthik or Rishabh better?” Gavaskar added.
In India’s previous matches in the shortest format, either Pant or Karthik had to be a benchwarmer. However, Pant can play shots right from the first ball, while giving the last four overs to Karthik would mean a good finish for India. It’ll be interesting to see how Rohit and management will deal with the two wicketkeepers.
Who is better between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik? Check their stats in T20I
Given the nature of Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik’s role in the team (as they mostly bat in last overs), their striike rates matters the most rather than how much they scored.
Rishabh Pant played 62 matches in T20Is and scored 961, with the highest being 65 not out at an average of 24.03 and a strike rate of 127.45. In his last ten innings, 44 (off 31 balls) was the highest score he scored against the West Indies. If he continues his hard-hitting in the middle overs without losing his wicket, he can take India to a competitive score.
Karthik, meanwhile, has played 56 matches and scored 672 runs at a strike rate of 146.41. He is known for finishing games for India, the role, he has gracefully played so far.
ALSO READ | Watch : Ruturaj Gaikwad does a MS Dhoni-style stumping to dismiss Sanju Samson
Stay Updated!
Gouri Das
(4693 Articles Published)