Despite suffering two consecutive defeats in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa at home, the Indian side, led by Rishabh Pant, was able to bounce back to win the next two games before the series decider got washed out.
However, the performance of Pant came under the scanner as he could manage a mere 58 runs in 5 games at an average of 14.50.
Wasim Jaffer, the former Test opener for India, was not impressed with the southpaw’s performance. When the seniors return, he believes Pant will struggle to find a spot in the playing XI.
“If Rohit is playing then there is no question of Pant leading. I would have Hardik Pandya second in line. Those will be my two main guys going forward. If at all I need to make somebody captain, I would go to Hardik if Rohit is not there. Going forward DK is going to be your first choice. When Virat comes back, Surya comes back, Hardik and Ravindra Jadeja, I think Rishabh Pant will find it hard to find a place in the XI,” Jaffer said while talking to ESPNcricinfo.
The former cricketer said that Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, and Ravindra Jadeja would find a place in the top 7.
“It all depends on what management thinks. If they want to give him confidence, then they will probably find a place. But I think in an ideal world it will be hard to find a place with Rohit, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, DK. Those will be your first seven I feel. But if they want to continue with him. I don't know who goes out.” he said further.
The ‘Men in Blue’ will be next seen in action against Ireland for the two-match T20I series, starting June 26.
(ESPNcricinfo INPUTS)
