Indian skipper Rohit Sharma on Saturday (June 8) confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will continue to bat at the top of the order in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
This approach aims to disrupt the predominantly right-handed top four and capitalize on Pant's explosive game against spinners, which Rohit believes will prove crucial as the tournament progresses.
Having thrashed Ireland in their T20 World Cup opener, the Men in Blue are due to face arch-rivals Pakistan in New York on Sunday (June 9).
"I had to see Pant in a few IPL games to decide where I wanted to play him during the World Cup. When I saw him during the first half of the tournament, I was really happy with his performance. With a player like him, and the ability he has, it is tough to find the right number for him. But when we have three right-handers in the start, it is nice to have him in the middle. When we move ahead in the tournament, spinners will play a big role and his counterattacking ability against spin will be important," Rohit told reporters on the eve of Pakistan clash.
"With Yashasvi Jaiswal not in the playing eleven, he is that guy who can play with freedom. I have seen enough of him doing that over the years and I know what his strengths. There is a bit of weakness as well, but I want to focus on his strengths. I think he has got an all-round game, which I would like to utilise more and get him to play more balls. Besides the openers, none of the guys' positions are fixed. We want to be flexible about these positions. Some guys love certain entry points into the game and we would like to think about it," he added.
Rishabh Pant has batted at No. 3 in the warm-up fixture against Bangladesh and the first Group A match against Ireland, returning with scores of 53 and 36* respectively.
Commenting on the pitch at Nassau County Stadium, which has come under the scanner for its uneven bounce and unpredictable behavior, Rohit highlighted that playing good cricket will be crucial irrespective of the opposition or the pitch surface.
"You know what to expect, you have to prepare accordingly. We have spoken about it, what to do, what could be the game plan for batters and bowlers, control what we can control, which is to give your best, assess and play accordingly. There is a lot of experience in our changing room. I expect everyone to make decisions. It can go either side, but as long as you make decisions based on what you have seen in front of you, you give yourself the best chance to win. Nothing changes for us, we will try ticking all the boxes," he remarked.
Regarding the contribution of star batter Virat Kohli, Rohit said: "Virat did not play the game against Bangladesh, did not have a first great game, but he has enough experience and training under his belt to do well, which cannot be beaten. He has played all over the world."
On him and Rishabh Pant sustaining some blows to their body during the Ireland clash and in the nets due to the pitch's invariable bounce, the Indian captain said, "The reason why they (Indian players) are playing is because they are all mentally tough and more skilled than anyone else. When you play at the highest level, these blows do not count. In many places like South Africa, and Australia, you have to cross such hurdles.”
“We won the Test in Gabba (back in 2021) because we were mentally tough, Guys got hit in the chest, hands etc due to invariable bounce. It is not going to be easy all the time. These are the moments when you try and test yourself. I am sure all the players playing want to be in difficult conditions and thrive in them. Nothing can get bigger than playing for your country in the World Cup. These blows are secondary.”
(With ANI Inputs)
