India and Pakistan are set to reignite their legendary cricket rivalry at the T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in New York on Sunday, June 9. This highly anticipated clash has fans worldwide on the edge of their seats, Ahead of the IND vs PAK game, in a pre-match presser, Team India skipper, Rohit Sharma shed light on the batting order ahead of the high-stakes clash. The captain revealed that while the opening duo remains constant, other batting orders might change according to the need.
No fixed batting order for India
The captain revealed that while the opening duo remains constant, other batting orders might change according to the need. The captain discussed Rishabh Pant’s batting at No.3 and stated that the keeper-batter’s counter-attacking ability will benefit the squad.
“Besides the openers, none of the other batting positions is fixed, unless it is a Super Over. We want to be flexible,” said Rohit Sharma.
Indian Cricket
‘Made my mind about Rishabh Pant’ – Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma also opened on the importance of Rishabh Pant who is playing his first outing in the national team jersey since 2022. The captain revealed that he had made up his mind about the wicketkeeper-batsman in the early stages of the IPL itself.
“Watched Pant play the first few matches in the IPL and made up my mind. It was about having the right batting position. His counter-attacking skill will be helpful, given we cannot play Yashasvi. He has got an all-round game.” added Rohit Sharma.
Pant who returned to cricketing action after 14 months hardly took time to return to form. Pant finished as DC’s highest scorer in the IPL 2024 campaign. He amassed 446 runs from 13 matches at an average of 40.54. He struck at 155.40.
The southpaw not only brings in aggressive batting with Yashasvi Jaiswal being absent, but he also brings in the much-necessary variation in the lineup. With Rohit Sharma looking for flexibility, Rishabh Pant has proven himself at a number of different positions.
Rishabh Pant’s T20I record
| Batting Position | Inns | NO | 100s | 50s | Ducks | 4s | 6s | HS | Runs | Avg | S/R |
| Opening | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 27 | 71 | 14.2 | 136.54 |
| 3 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 7 | 40* | 153 | 38.25 | 129.66 |
| 4 | 27 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 36 | 21 | 65* | 474 | 21.55 | 126.06 |
| 5 | 15 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 26 | 0 | 8 | 52* | 297 | 27 |
| 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 17 | 28 | 14 | 140 |
Rishabh Pant was tried at No.3 in a warm-up game against Bangladesh, and he delivered. The keeper-batter had a fantastic innings, banging bowlers all around the park. He walked away after scoring a quick 53 runs.
Pant batted at No. 3 again in India’s opening T20 World Cup 2024 match against Ireland. After Virat Kohli left early, the keeper-batsman held down the fort for his side and ensured he remained there till the end.
