“This should have been the case” – Virender Sehwag wants Rishabh Pant ahead of Dinesh Karthik in the playing XI at the T20 World Cup 2022
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Virender Sehwag
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has demanded the inclusion of Rishabh Pant in the XI at the cost of Dinesh Karthik, who failed to live up to the expectations against South Africa on Sunday, October 30. Despite getting time and balls to settle, Karthik got out playing an irresponsible shot.
Explaining his opinion, Sehwag stated that it’s not a Bengaluru wicket and Karthik hasn’t played many games on Australian bouncy wickets. Pant, on the other hand, has a good record in Tests and ODIs on Australian soil, including heroics at Gabba. However, the final decision is obviously in the hands of the management.
“This should have been the case from the first day. Rishabh Pant has played Tests and ODIs there, and has performed and he knows how to perform in these conditions. When did Dinesh Karthik last play in Australia, when has he played on such bouncy wickets? This isn’t a Bengaluru wicket. I said this even today that Pant should’ve been in the team instead of Hooda, Pant has the experience of playing here. His Gabba innings is a legend,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.
“I can only give them suggestion, it’s the management’s decision. If Karthik is fit, they will go back to him again. But according to me, Rishabh Pant should’ve been in the XI from the start,” he added.
Dinesh Karthik doubtful for Bangladesh clash
Dinesh Karthik suffered a back injury while wicketkeeping during India’s contest with South Africa. Following which, he had to be subbed off and Rishabh Pant made it onto the field to play the role for his side. As things stand, the 37-year-old might miss their next game against Bangladesh on November 2.
In the ongoing T20 World Cup so far, Team India have preferred Karthik over Pant for the wicketkeeping role in the playing XI. However, the decision hasn’t been fruitful yet, with Karthik failing to make any impact with the bat for his side. In three games, he has managed to score only 7 runs in 17 balls.
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With someone like Pant warming the bench, the pressure is mounting on Karthik to do well or else face the exclusion. It remains to be seen if Karthik can get fit ahead of the next assignment and who gets the final nod for the rest of the tournament. Team India are currently in second position in the points table of their group.
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Wansh Agarwal
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