Australia is one of the happy hunting grounds for wicket-keeper-batter Rishabh Pant. The young Pant already played two match-winning innings in the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Test series. His 97 in Melbourne and 89 not out at the Gabba propelled the Men In Blue to a memorable series win against the Men in Yellow. The youngster was soon labelled an all-format player by fans and critics. But Pant hasn’t unleashed his brutal best yet, in the shortest format.
Happy birthday Rishabh Pant, in a short career he has achieved a lot – Hundreds in Australia, England, 89* helping the Gabba miracle to happen, 97 to draw the Test at Sydney, incredible IPL 2018 & 2019 – One of the finest young talent turns 24 today.pic.twitter.com/huy8l3HmEW
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 4, 2021
The 24-year-old has played 60 T20Is. However, he is yet to really take off his career, being in and out of the eleven. Pant has scored 934 runs at an average of 23.34. His strike rate of 126.62 doesn’t justify his potential. As a result, he is no longer a certainty on the team.
Can Pant walk into team eleven for the World Cup?
The young Indian’s place in the eleven is dependent on two factors. The major point is the need for a left-handed batter among the top six. If India choose to let Axar Patel at six, they’d likely go with Dinesh Karthik as a finisher at Number seven. At present, India’s top five is more or less fixed, with Rahul, Rohit, Virat, Surya, and Hardik occupying those positions.
So close but great win tonight, proud of our fight. 💪🇮🇳🏆#TeamIndia #RP17 pic.twitter.com/WyP1BbrPuR
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) September 25, 2022
The second option to play Pant is to place him at five, Pandya at six, and Axar at seven. In that way, India can stabilise their right-left-hand batting balance by a fair margin. However, Axar would have to bat like a proper all-rounder to make these options work. He’s already practicing hard, confirmed skipper Rohit Sharma in a press conference.
Match day preps 🏏#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/W7l3tFn7G5
— DK (@DineshKarthik) September 28, 2022
Dinesh Karthik, who didn’t get enough opportunities as Pant, has been assigned the role of a finisher in the team. Those who argue in favour of Karthik cite his experience and note he did not get a fair amount of time or opportunity to display his potential. However, his critics cite his string of low scores in the recent past.
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Will India start with Rishabh Pant?
The ongoing series in South Africa will decide India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the big event. Pant’s past exploits in Australia and his left-hand batting, plus his age, give him an advantage over Dinesh Karthik.
Innings – 18
Runs – 284
Average – 71
SR – 149.47
Sixes – 13DK – The finisher for a reason!🔥#India #SouthAfrica #INDvsSA #DineshKarthik #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Jp5fheK6M1
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) September 30, 2022
India is also mindful that the absence of DK would leave them without a finisher at number seven. There is a chance to try both players at various stages in the World Cup. There is also a probability of India going with five bowling options, and playing both Pant and Karthik in the team eleven.
