Team India were clinical in the group stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 in UAE. The Rohit Sharma-led side defeated Pakistan by five wickets in their tournament opener and followed it with a comprehensive 40-run victory over Hong Kong.

With their confidence sky high, the Men in Blue will once again face arch-rivals Pakistan in their first game of the Super-4 round on Sunday (September 4).

Ahead of the game, former pacer RP Singh has opined that Rishabh Pant should definitely feature in India’s playing XI.

When asked who the southpaw should replace, Singh came up with an interesting choice – KL Rahul.

Notably, the Indian team management gave a nod ahead to veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik against Pakistan, while Pant returned for the game against Hong Kong after the management decided to rest all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

“One of DK (Dinesh Karthik) and KL Rahul needs to be rested and Pant needs to be in the XI. Pant deserves to play. He is a match-winner, and if he performs, he can take India home,” RP Singh said during an interaction on India TV.

“In the previous game, DK didn't keep which left me a little confused. Because he kept the wickets in the first game and so he is your first-choice.”

When asked to pick one between Rahul and Karthik, RP insisted that the opening batter’s body language doesn't inspire much confidence.

“I feel KL Rahul isn't showing much promise. When I look at his body language, it feels he can't do anything. He needs more time. Since coming from injury, his timings and reading of match situations are a little concerning,” said the former India pacer.

KL Rahul has lately come under the scanner for his batting approach in the shortest format of the game. While the right-hander got out for a first-ball duck against Pakistan, he scored 36 off 39 balls versus Hong Kong.