While Karthik played in India's four Super 12 matches, Pant was given a chance in the last game vs Zimbabwe.
During the Super 12 round, the Men in Blue fielded veteran campaigner Dinesh Karthik for the first four games while young Rishabh Pant was given a chance in the last match against Zimbabwe.
Pant managed to score only 3 versus Zimbabwe but India might still play him in the knockouts since they don’t have any left-hander among their frontline batters.
On the eve of the semi-final, Rohit revealed that it was a "tactical" decision to field Pant against Zimbabwe as the southpaw was short of game time.
"If we want to make changes for the semis or the finals, we should be able to do that, and it'd be unfair to just bring the guy from nowhere and make him play the game," Rohit told a news conference.
"We've told the guys right from the beginning that everyone needs to be ready for whichever game they may have to play - whether it's semis, final, or league games.
"We wanted to give a lefthander an opportunity to counter some of the spinners who bowl in the middle (overs) for New Zealand and England. That was the thought (behind playing Pant).
"What is going to happen tomorrow? I wouldn't be able to tell you right now, but both of the keepers will be in play for sure."
Rohit Sharma had an injury scare while batting in the nets on Tuesday (November 8). The Indian captain copped a powerful blow on his forearm but he seemed alright as he returned to bat in the nets soon.
Talking about his injury, Rohit said: "It was a little bruising, but it's absolutely fine now."
(With Reuters inputs)