Former Indian team selector Saba Karim reckons that young wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant might not find a place in India’s playing XI for their second match in the Asia Cup 2022 against Hong Kong on Wednesday (August 31) if they stick with the same combination they played against Pakistan.
Team India started their Asia Cup 2022 campaign with a bang by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 5 wickets in their opening clash, and now they are looking to make it to the super four by thrashing Hong Kong on Wednesday in Dubai.
However, India surprised many with their decision to keep Pant on the bench for Dinesh Karthik, and Karim said that the veteran cricketer was picked because he was a finisher – the role he has been given by the team management since his comeback to the side – against Pakistan.
Saba Karim told TV channel India News: “One thing is clear, team management thinks that Dinesh Karthik is suited to No. 6 and only he can play the role of a finisher. Rishabh Pant is not seen as a specific choice by the team management for that role. They think if Rishabh has to play, it’s the middle-order. So, there is no place available for him at the moment.”
The former cricketer further opined that Pant can only find a place in India’s playing XI in T20I cricket if KL Rahul continues his poor form with the bat, otherwise, there is no place for the youngster.
Karim signed off by saying, “I don’t think Pant will get opportunities if India sticks to their last combination. He can only get into the side if KL Rahul does not find his form. Only then, he could get a chance to play [as an opener]. Otherwise, there is no place vacant, which comes as a shock to him.”
