The Indian selectors recently named Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik in the squad for the Asia Cup 2022, but the question still remains over who would make it to the playing XI. Pant has been in impeccable form in recent times, and has been playing different roles, from opening the batting to finishing games in the middle order. He also brings a left-handed option into the mix, and it will be interesting to see if he gets the nod.
On the other hand, Karthik has been finishing off games quite well for India and in the IPL before that, and hence he has been specifically picked up for the role. The veteran batter brought up his maiden half-century in T20Is, and can play 360-degree cricket. His experience will come in handy in the big tournaments that are set to arrive in a few months, and he is more likely to make the playing XI.
Playing both Karthik and Pant together is risky as Hardik Pandya will have to play as the fifth bowler in the side. Despite Pandya’s brilliance with the ball in recent times, his back issues in the past might be a factor to consider, and India would be looking to play him as the sixth bowler. Pant has opined on the competition among the two wicketkeepers in the Indian side to make it to the playing XI.
We as individuals always want to give our 100 per cent: Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant was questioned about his competition with Karthik for a slot on the Indian side, and he denied any particular thoughts on those matters. He noted that the priority would be to give 100 per cent to the side and was happy to leave the decision to the captain and the coach.
“We don’t think about those lines. We, as individuals, always want to give our 100 percent to the team. The rest depends on the coach and the captain and how the team could get an advantage from that,” Pant was quoted as saying by Zee Hindustan.
Both Pant and Karthik will be in action in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, which starts in August 18.
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