India T20 WC – Despite much debate on his form and place in the side, the selectors have put their faith in Rishabh Pant and named him in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup. Pant retains his place in the squad alongside Dinesh Karthik as the debate on India’s keeping option still remains fresh with just six games to go for the World Cup to begin. Coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma also remain undecided on the 24-year-old’s best position with the games against Australia and South Africa key. Follow IND vs AUS LIVE updates on Insidesport.IN
India T20 WC: Opening, No.5 or bench? Rishabh Pant makes T20 World Cup squad but Dravid, Rohit still puzzled about keeper’s best position – Check out
Rishabh Pant and India will head into the India vs Australia series unsure of the 24-year-old’s best batting position. Pant is considered a must-have in the side following Jadeja’s injury but little is set on his role and responsibilities in the side. During the recently concluded Asia Cup, Pant batted in the middle order, dovetailing between a middle order bat and a finisher.
The 24-year-old naturally struggled to prompt suggestions of his return to the top of the order. Pant has briefly opened for India in T20Is with mixed results at best. However, fitting him at the top of the order would see vice-captain KL Rahul move down from his preferred opening slot.
With Dinesh Karthik also part of the squad, Rishabh Pant will have few and far lesser opportunities to make his mark. Karthik has a defined role on the side, unlike Pant who has taken up different roles over the past few months. The only thing in the 24-year-old’s favour is that he is left-handed.
Rishabh Pant T20I stats
| Rishabh Pant | Mat | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| Opening | 2 | 27 | 26 | 13.5 | 135 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| No.5 | 14 | 294 | 52* | 29.4 | 124.57 | 0 | 1 | 26 | 8 |
Where should Rishabh Pant bat?
- Rishabh Pant has been a superstar in the longer formats of the game but has failed to replicate the same in T20Is.
- The left-hander largely struggled in the Asia Cup, but managed to hold onto his place in the side.
- The 24-year-old batted in the middle order with little success being India’s only left-hand option.
- Opening the batting, Pant has fewer boundary riders helping him cash in on field restrictions.
- However, that would once again leave India suspect to spin in the middle overs with an entire right-handed line-up.
